The chemical approach of "synthetic biology" was outlined by Eric Kool in 2000 (see article by R. Rawls entitled "'Synthetic Biology' Makes Its Debut" in Chemical & Engineering News, April 24, 2000, p. 49-53).

This new area of research has the main aim of developing new molecular components of biological pathways and organisms. It is a natural offshoot of the older field termed "biomimetic chemistry", and it reflects the rapidly increasing sophistication of knowledge in the fields of biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, and organic chemistry.

Molecular design and synthesis are two critical components of synthetic biology. Practitioners of this research are asking whether chemists can design new molecules and pathways that can successfully function in biochemical and biological systems. Some of these molecules are intended to function in existing living systems, while others may one day be part of altogether new, human-designed living systems.

Progress in synthetic biology research will lead to increased knowledge of natural biomolecules and pathways, and will also yield useful new biotechnologies for diagnosing and treating human disease.

Examples of synthetic biology research in the Kool lab include:

o Design of new DNA bases that function accurately and efficiently in natural DNA replication pathways (Nucleoside Isosteres project). This has led to the first example of a nonnatural DNA base that functions correctly in a living cell (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2005, 102, 15803-15808)

o Design of new DNA-like, helical paired genetic systems (xDNA project)

o Engineering a new telomere-maintenance pathway for human cells (Artificial
Telomeres project)

For additional discussion of synthetic biology, see: S. A. Benner, Nature 2003, 421, 118.

For information on the engineering side of synthetic biology research, see: Synthetic Biology.org