Synthetic biology isn't always a "Frankenstein-sounding" field of science, like one
Los Angeles Times article puts it. While some labs like the Venter lab have synthesized and inserted a complete bacterial genome, most other labs, including those from iGEM, have much more modest and practical goals.
For example, the
Groningen team is designing a way to use bacteria to create self-assembling film that repels water. By integrating a gene that produces hydrophobic proteins into bacteria, a new strain can be developed that can produce rigid biofilm. The process can be stopped with exposure to UV light.
This project can potentially be cheaper and less toxic than the expensive chemicals used to waterproof materials currently. Repelling water is an effective way to reduce bacterial and fungal growth on surfaces, as well as resisting corrosion because it keeps the surface clean and dry. Imagine: maybe in the future we can rustproof our car parts by letting bacteria do all the work for us.
Now isn't that neat?
Patrick
