Synthetic Biology: Engineering Bacteria for Medical Applications

  Odile Patrick Thalia

Faculty of Biological Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Synthetic biology, a rapidly advancing interdisciplinary field, applies engineering principles to biological systems to create novel organisms with useful capabilities. This paper examines the potential of engineered bacteria in medical applications, focusing on advancements in genetic modification and metabolic engineering to develop bacteria capable of targeted drug delivery, disease diagnosis, and therapeutic interventions. The practical advantages of bacterial systems, such as low cost, rapid growth, and genetic malleability, make them ideal candidates for medical innovations. However, challenges in precision, safety, and ethical considerations demand robust regulation and containment strategies, particularly when considering applications in diverse socioeconomic contexts. As synthetic biology progresses, cross-disciplinary collaborations and ethical frameworks will be essential to harness its potential responsibly.

Keywords: Synthetic biology, Engineered bacteria, Genetic engineering, Medical applications, Drug delivery.

CITE AS: Odile Patrick Thalia. (2024). Synthetic Biology: Engineering Bacteria for Medical Applications. Research Output Journal of Engineering and Scientific Research, 3(3): 5-8.