High-Throughput Biologically Optimized Search Engineering Approach to Synthetic Biology

TL;DR

This paper introduces HT-BOSE, a novel approach to synthetic biology that uses biologically optimized search strategies inspired by directed evolution to improve device design and potentially aid in biomedical applications.

Contribution

It proposes an alternative paradigm to classical engineering principles in synthetic biology, emphasizing rational, knowledge-based optimization of the search process.

Findings

HT-BOSE leverages directed evolution principles for design optimization.

The approach can be applied to multi-drug cocktail development.

It offers a new framework for synthetic biology design processes.

Abstract

Synthetic Biology is the new engineering-based approach to biology that includes applications of designing complex biological devices. At present, it is not yet clear what will emerge as the defining principles of Synthetic Biology. One proposed approach is to build Synthetic Biology around the classical engineering principles of standardization, modularity/decoupling and abstraction/modeling to facilitate component-based design. In this article we suggest and discuss an alternative paradigm, which we call High-throughput Biologically Optimized Search Engineering (HT-BOSE). Stemming from directed evolution, in HT-BOSE the focal point is a biological knowledge based rational optimization of the search process in the space of device design possibilities. The HT-BOSE approach may also be relevant in other contexts and we briefly highlight how it could be applicable to the development of multi-drug cocktails in a biomedical setting.