Synthetic Biology

Synthetic biology is a rapidly developing and interdisciplinary field.

Bringing together knowledge from biochemistry and biology, chemistry and physics, engineering and computer science, synthetic biology aims to redesign – or ultimately create – biological entities and their inner workings, opening the door to new technologies and applications.

This collection from across the Biochemical Society brings together content and activities on the subject of synthetic biology that we hope will spark dialogue and discussion on this fascinating subject.

Published content

Discover articles, themed issues and collections from across the Portland Press portfolio related to synthetic biology.

Understanding Biochemistry graphic

Illustration of an agent-based model of engineered bacteria containing synthetic genetic circuits that enable communication via diffusive quorum sensing molecules

Image shows an artist's impression of a bottom-up constructed synthetic cell, representing the three basic processes of a living cell: cell fuelling (green), DNA processing (orange/red), and cell division (blue).

The Biochemist Synthetic Biology magazine cover

Webinars

Watch our free Biochemistry Focus webinars on-demand.

Biochemistry Focus webinar series

Developments in industrial biotechnology webinar graphic

Discover more curated content

Browse additional packages of curated content from the Biochemical Society, Portland Press and external partners.

Minimalist biology image

Resource

06 Jun 2022

Minimalist Biology

Minimalist Biology is a hands-on activity, combining art and science, designed to engage individuals with synthetic biology.

Events Calendar

From scientific meetings and training courses to our wide-ranging webinar series, we bring together molecular bioscientists from across the sector to share knowledge and enhance their expertise.

Public Engagement

We have developed public engagement and outreach resources on topics in the molecular biosciences, for anyone to use. The Society offers grants, prizes and support to science communicators and those engaging the public in bioscience.

About Us

About the Biochemical Society

Synthetic biology cover of The Biochemist

Resource

24 Oct 2022

Can we give new biotechnology the green light?

This booklet introduces genetic engineering and synthetic biology techniques and how it could be used to solve some of the world's biggest issues. This booklet was developed to complement for Glasgow Science Festival 2016, in collaboration with the Royal Society of Biology.

Minimalist biology image

Resource

06 Jun 2022

Minimalist Biology

Minimalist Biology is a hands-on activity, combining art and science, designed to engage individuals with synthetic biology.

Basic Biosciences Theme Panel

The Basic Biosciences Theme Panel includes the Chairs of all six of the Society’s Research Areas.

Research Area II - Molecular Structure and Function

Research Area II covers the broad areas of nucleic acids, proteins, membranes, lipids, lipoproteins, molecular modelling of mechanisms, enzymes, rational drug design, carbohydrates, molecular interactions.

biochemistry goes full beam in neon lights

Resource

24 Oct 2022

Biochemistry goes Full Beam

This booklet provides an introduction to how light is used to investigate things too small to be seen by the naked eye. It also includes a fun exercise you can try at home to make your own fluorescent tagged cells using ultraviolet light.

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