Synthetic Biology: Research Needs for Assessing Environmental Impacts
Abstract
Synthetic biology and its applications have the potential to greatly improve economic development, public health, environmental stewardship, technological advancement, and many other areas. In May 2017, sixty individuals gathered in Lexington, Massachusetts for a workshop sponsored by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to discuss applications of synthetic biology with likely or intended interaction with the environment. Representatives from academia, government agencies, industry, and non-governmental organizations convened to identify knowledge gaps and research needs to assess potential environmental impacts from these technologies. The group discussed challenges in environmental risk assessment, regulation, and community engagement for emerging synthetic biology technologies. The workshop was structured around four hypothetical case studies, including the use of gene drive engineered organisms to control infectious disease vectors, engineered microbes for bioremediation, cell-free applications for advanced chemical production, and engineered viruses for water treatment. Meeting these research needs will facilitate appropriate environmental risk assessment and informed decision making for the development and potential deployment of synthetic biology organisms and components in the environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 07, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1078268
Entities
People
- Bryn L. Adams
- Christopher M. Warner
- Edward J. Perkins
- Fiona H Crocker
- Heather N. Meeks
- Kaytee L. Pokrzywinski
- Matthew L. Magnuson
- Richard F. Lance
- Sarah R. Carter
- Taylor E. Rycroft
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- Engineer Research and Development Center
- United States Army Research Laboratory
- United States Environmental Protection Agency