[Interview] Synthetic Biology: From "Art" to "Science"... The Leap Forward in the Next Decade

Industrial Standardization, Ethical Consensus, and Academic Convergence:
Insights from Three World-Renowned Scholars

Synthetic biology is still a relatively unfamiliar field to the general public. However, this discipline holds the potential to change humanity's future by designing microorganisms as "living factories," programming cells as therapeutics, and converting carbon dioxide into energy and materials.

The problem is that industrialization and social consensus are not keeping pace with the rapid advancement of technology. What changes are necessary for synthetic biology to move beyond the laboratory and become part of the language of industry and society?

At the joint academic conference of the Korean Society for Biotechnology and the Asian Federation of Biotechnology held in Incheon on the 26th, Asia Economy met with three world-renowned scholars: Martin Fussenegger, professor at ETH Zurich, Switzerland (left); Dietart Matanovich, professor at BOKU Vienna, Austria (center); and Hiroshi Shimizu, professor at Osaka University, Japan (right). Photo by Kim Joungho

At the Korea Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering-Asian Federation of Biotechnology Joint Conference held in Incheon on the 26th, Asia Economy spoke with three world-renowned scholars-Martin Fussenegger, professor at ETH Zurich, Switzerland; Dietart Matanovic, professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria (BOKU); and Hiroshi Shimizu, professor at Osaka University, Japan-about the industrial and ethical challenges of synthetic biology and the path of researchers.

Beyond Laboratory Trial and Error to the Real World: Productivity, Cost, and Standardization

Professor Fussenegger emphasized that institutional support is essential for synthetic biology to succeed in industrial settings. As a leading researcher who has bridged the gap between synthetic biology and medicine, he has gained attention for developing artificial cell circuits that regulate insulin secretion and gene-based therapeutic systems.

Using advanced technologies such as cell therapy as examples, Professor Fussenegger stated, "Ultimately, the international biopharmaceutical industry will have no choice but to lead through GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) systems." He explained that for research outcomes to be translated into patient treatments, the industrial structure must inevitably rely on companies or funds due to the enormous costs involved.

Martin Fussenegger, Professor at ETH Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. Photo by Kim Joungho

Professor Matanovic focused on the practical difficulties of moving beyond the laboratory threshold. As a global authority in metabolic engineering and protein production, he has pioneered the use of specialized microorganisms that utilize methanol as a substrate, expanding industrial applications.

He pointed out, "Although quantification and systematization have advanced significantly in the laboratory, industrial-scale operations are still often run in an 'artful' and ad hoc manner." He explained that microorganisms behave very differently in small flasks compared to fermenters holding thousands of liters, making it difficult to directly transfer laboratory data to industrial production. "Mass production still heavily depends on trial and error," he said, adding, "This is why digitalization, standardization, and automation will be the keys to transforming industrial sites in the future."

Professor Shimizu addressed the issue of cost. As a pioneer in C1 feedstock metabolic engineering, he has developed alternative pathways using carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methanol, opening up new possibilities for bio-based production.

He assessed, "Bio-based production is still more expensive and less efficient than fossil fuel-based methods. If we cannot overcome this gap, industrial sustainability cannot be achieved." He proposed metabolic engineering approaches that utilize single-carbon compounds such as CO₂ and methanol as a solution. The strategy involves introducing CO₂ fixation pathways into microorganisms to improve productivity.

Ethical Barriers: Safety and Social Consensus Must Go Hand in Hand

Synthetic biology, involving direct manipulation of genes, is inevitably subject to ethical controversy. While Professor Fussenegger emphasized that research aimed at patient treatment is inherently ethical, he also stated, "Safety is always the top priority." He noted, "At the current technological level, safety can be sufficiently managed," but also pointed out, "However, unnecessary ethical barriers should not be erected to the detriment of research and technological progress."

Professor Matanovic, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Austria. Photo by Kim Joungho

Professor Matanovic spoke about the responsibility of researchers. "When choosing research topics, one must always consider whether they are socially beneficial or carry the risk of misuse," he said, adding, "This is a responsibility shared by the entire academic community."

Professor Shimizu cited the case of unauthorized fetal gene editing in China to highlight the need for social discussion. He stressed, "Because synthetic biology fundamentally deals with genes, it is difficult to gain social trust without safety and ethical consensus." He argued that with each new technology, social debate on its scope and limitations must accompany its introduction.

Convergence and Collaboration: The Future of Synthetic Biology

All three scholars agreed that the future of synthetic biology lies in interdisciplinary convergence. Professor Fussenegger predicted, "The next ten years will be an era of deeper integration between biology, materials science, electronics, and AI." Citing wearable technology as a prime example, he argued, "In times of increasing political conflict, scientists must lead international cooperation through the common language of facts, mathematics, and statistics."

Professor Matanovic emphasized changes in research approaches. "In the future, biology will be viewed as a modular system, allowing elements to be assembled like components to achieve desired properties," he said. "Rather than experimenting with countless combinations, an era will come where new strains are designed through computational prediction and optimization."

Hiroshi Shimizu, Professor at Osaka University, Japan. Photo by Kim Joungho

Professor Shimizu argued for expanding the social significance of science and technology. "Science and technology are not merely products of human intellectual achievement; they must develop on the premise of social responsibility and openness," he said.

"Assert Yourself, Find Good Collaborators, and Keep Moving Forward"

The three scholars also offered advice to young researchers. Professor Fussenegger advised, "Never lose your curiosity. Define and focus on socially important problems. Do not let administrative burdens hinder you-protect your freedom to research."

Professor Matanovic said, "Clearly identify your strengths and do not be intimidated during discussions. Assert your ideas confidently." Professor Shimizu emphasized, "Perseverance and collaboration are the most important qualities on the research journey. Finding good colleagues and collaborators is the key to success."

Synthetic biology is now overcoming barriers to adapt from the laboratory to industrial sites. While it faces challenges such as the limits of industrial application, ethical controversies, and the responsibilities of researchers, the rapid pace of development and the trend toward convergence signal the dawn of a new era.

In the next ten years, could synthetic biology become the language of future industries that solve humanity's pressing problems? The three world-renowned scholars said, "The path will not be easy, but since it has already begun, keep moving forward."