PHD Discussions Logo

Ask, Learn and Accelerate in your PhD Research

Question Icon Post Your Answer

Question Icon

3 years ago in Biotech , Environmental Science By Jenita

Can synthetic biology and systems biology help reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

As we explore all possible avenues for climate change mitigation, the promise of biology-based solutions is compelling. My research intersects environmental science and bio-engineering. I'm trying to assess whether the foundational tools of synthetic and systems biology can be translated into practical, large-scale applications for carbon capture or alternative production, beyond the familiar examples like engineered algae.

All Answers (1 Answers In All)

By Sylvia Answered 2 years ago

Based on my work in bio-design, I have seen a tangible, though nascent, pathway. Systems biology gives us the computational models to understand metabolic networks for, say, methanotrophic bacteria that consume methane. Synthetic biology then allows us to re-engineer and optimize these pathways for efficiency and scale. I would recommend focusing on two fronts: engineering soil microbes for enhanced carbon sequestration and designing phototrophic platforms for renewable chemical production to displace fossil derivatives. The real challenge is moving from lab-scale proof-of-concept to robust, contained field applications.

 

Your Answer