Synthetic Biology and Artificial Intelligence: A Match Made in Science Heaven
If you were given a choice to either play a guessing game or rely on a set of data to make an informed decision, what would you choose? Most people would choose the latter – and that’s precisely where the world of artificial intelligence (AI) comes into play. Artificial intelligence is a field of computer science that enables machines to perform intelligent tasks that would typically require human intelligence. On the other hand, synthetic biology is a field that uses engineering principles to construct new biological systems or modify existing systems. These two fields may seem unrelated, but when combined, they have the potential to change the world as we know it.
AI and Synthetic Biology: The Perfect Match
With the help of AI, synthetic biology is transforming from a field of research to an industrial-scale technology. AI systems are being developed that can design genetic constructs, predict how those constructs will function, and even test them in silico before they are ever built in a lab. The synergy between AI and synthetic biology is creating a new field called synthetic biology 2.0, which promises a faster and more efficient way of designing biological systems.
One real-life example of the application of AI in synthetic biology is the engineering of bacteria to produce new drugs. Creating new drugs often involves trial and error, making it a time-consuming and expensive process. In contrast, AI-powered synthetic biology can predict the behavior of genes, and researchers can use that information to create bacteria that produce specific drugs faster and more efficiently. By using AI to design biological systems, researchers can drastically reduce the time and resources required to design, build, and test new organisms.
The Challenge of Designing Biological Systems
Designing biological systems is not easy. Unlike hardware or software systems, biological systems are highly complex and unpredictable. The same set of genes can function differently in different environments, and unexpected interactions between genes can lead to unintended consequences. However, this is where AI plays a critical role. By using machine learning algorithms, AI systems can learn from vast amounts of biological data to predict which genetic constructs are likely to function as intended and which alterations could lead to unintended consequences.
AI can also help researchers to understand complex biological systems. For example, scientists at MIT and the University of Toronto used AI to analyze the behavior of biofilms – bacterial communities that form a slimy layer on surfaces like teeth or pipes. The researchers constructed an AI model that can predict the structure of biofilms based on their microscopic properties. This approach could help researchers to develop more effective ways of controlling biofilms that cause infection and disease.
Synthetic Biology 2.0: The Future Is Here
The emergence of synthetic biology 2.0 is transforming the field of biotechnology. With the help of AI, researchers can design new systems and molecules that were previously unattainable. This new paradigm allows for faster and more efficient discovery, without the extensive trial and error process usually associated with the field. A good example of the potential of synthetic biology 2.0 is the recent creation of COVID-19 vaccines.
The mRNA vaccine technology used to create COVID-19 vaccines is based on the principles of synthetic biology. Rather than injecting a weakened or inactive form of the virus, mRNA vaccines deliver a genetic code that instructs cells to produce a protein found on the surface of the virus. The immune system then recognizes this protein as a foreign invader and produces antibodies that fight off the virus. The mRNA vaccine technology is a testament to the effectiveness of synthetic biology and the potential to apply AI to accelerate the design process.
Conclusion
AI and synthetic biology are transforming the field of biotechnology. Advances in AI technology are helping researchers to design better biological systems, and the combination of AI and synthetic biology has the potential to be a game-changer. The development of synthetic biology 2.0 promises to accelerate the discovery of new solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems, from providing new drugs to combating climate change. As we continue to unlock the potential of these fields, we can expect to see dramatic progress in biotechnology, leading to a remarkable benefit to society. The future is indeed in the hands of scientists!