Current landscape and future directions of synthetic biology in South America
Journal
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
ISSN
2296-4185
Date Issued
2023-02-10
Author(s)
E. Sebastian Gomez-Hinostroza
Nicolás Gurdo
María Victoria Gracia Alvan Vargas
Pablo I. Nikel
María-Eugenia Guazzaroni
David J. Castillo Cornejo
Raúl Platero
Carlos Barba-Ostria
Abstract
<jats:p>Synthetic biology (SynBio) is a rapidly advancing multidisciplinary field in which South American countries such as Chile, Argentina, and Brazil have made notable contributions and have established leadership positions in the region. In recent years, efforts have strengthened SynBio in the rest of the countries, and although progress is significant, growth has not matched that of the aforementioned countries. Initiatives such as iGEM and TECNOx have introduced students and researchers from various countries to the foundations of SynBio. Several factors have hindered progress in the field, including scarce funding from both public and private sources for synthetic biology projects, an underdeveloped biotech industry, and a lack of policies to promote bio-innovation. However, open science initiatives such as the DIY movement and OSHW have helped to alleviate some of these challenges. Similarly, the abundance of natural resources and biodiversity make South America an attractive location to invest in and develop SynBio projects.</jats:p>