Synthetic Biology is an emerging interdisciplinary field that is a combination of biology, engineering, and computer science to design and assemble new biological parts, devices and systems. This approach exploits the building blocks of life to create organisms and systems that do not exist naturally, and thus, has a potential to immensely transform our healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors. Among its many contributions, its role in designing biological systems and means to target diseases with precision is remarkable. It has paved the way for more development in advanced therapies to combat diseases.
The Promise of Synthetic Biology in Drug Delivery
Synthetic biology utilises a combination of chassis cells, bacteria, and their derivatives with nanomaterials. This integration results in the formation of nano-artificial hybrid systems. The intricate design of such systems is highly customised based on their intended use. It is this programmable aspect of artificial hybrid systems, created through synthetic biology, that is quite useful in intervening in biological functions without significant damage. The materials used each have unique properties and usually follow a cascade of working mechanisms, ensuring the system works efficiently. As a result, creation of artificial cells is possible by assembling all the required components in an organised manner. Thus, we are observing an advancement in medicine with synthetic drug delivery systems.
Drug delivery systems are artificial components engineered for specific functions such as production, targeting and the release of therapeutic agents. These systems precisely target diseased cells or damaged tissues, sparing healthy cells, unlike traditional medicinal delivery methods. They are further enhanced to respond to pH, temperature or biomolecular triggers in the body, releasing the therapeutic agents they carry. There are also smart drug carriers that can sense the internal environment in the body like high levels of biomarkers, inflammation, and enzymes related to tumours. The drug carrier molecules are carefully designed, often enclosed in nanomaterials coated with sensory elements, to perform their duty.
Applications in Combating Diseases
The synthetic drug delivery systems hold a wide range of applications for various disease treatments. They represent hope in addressing novel diseased conditions that are difficult to treat with the traditional methods. In cancer treatment, therapies are being developed that target the tumours with high precision using engineered bacteria or viruses to deliver drugs directly to the tumour. The goal is to reduce the damage to nearby cells or tissues, a common side effect of traditional cancer treatments.
There is also growing interest in cancer immunotherapies that employ the drug delivery systems for modulating immune responses by making it more effective in recognising and killing cancer cells, one such example include CAR-T cell therapy. Additionally, synthetic drug delivery systems can also combat antimicrobial resistance. Infectious diseases are persistent in today’s time due to the high resistance developed by the microbes against medicines. Artificial drug delivery systems are being designed to intercept the established mechanisms of resistance or directly deliver antimicrobials to the infection sites. Vaccine delivery systems have also been enhanced through synthetic biology to increase their stability and efficacy.
Diseases like diabetes, eye disorders and cardiovascular conditions are among those requiring innovative treatment approaches. Nanoparticle-based insulin delivery carriers and angiogenesis-boosting drugs for ischemic tissues are currently being investigated. Similar developments are underway for treating macular degeneration in eyes. Moreover, synthetic biology-based drug delivery systems offer promise in treatment of neurological diseases. The challenge of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) preventing drugs from reaching the brain has been a significant concern. Customising drug delivery systems to cross this barrier and provide drugs to the brain without a detour. It can immensely aid us in establishing permanent solutions for diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and glioblastomas.
Despite the clear advantages of synthetic drug delivery systems, several challenges still remain. The implicated risks are off-site delivery, unstable carriers, accumulation of synthetic, non-degradable particles in the body, high cost of production and the risks associated with genetic engineering. These challenges must be carefully considered as this revolutionary technology continues to evolve. Research, collaboration and clinical testing are essential to fully unlock its potential. If successful, we can anticipate increasingly sophisticated and effective drug delivery systems that provide safe, permanent, and economic solutions for some of the deadliest and most challenging diseases known to humanity.
Deeksha, is a Biochemist and an aspiring neuroscientist. Her research interest lies at the intersection of molecular neuroscience and drug discovery.
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