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Zellen benutzen transiente, membranlose Organellen um biologische Reaktionsnetzwerke zu regulieren. Stressgranula zum Beispiel sind in der Lage, selektiv mRNA einzulagern, um die Proteinexpression im Fall von Hitze oder oxidativem Stress zu regulieren. Modelle welches diese aktive Verhalten nachstellen sind nützlich um die in vivo Regulierung durch Kompartimentierung besser zu verstehen. Hier benutzen wir aktive komplexe Koazervat‐Tröpfchen als Modell für membranlose Organellen, welche die Aktivität einer katalytischen DNA (DNAzym) räumlich und zeitlich kontrollieren können. Beim Eintritt in die Peptid‐RNA‐Tröpfchen entfaltet sich das DNAzym und verliert seine Fähigkeit, einen Nukleinsäurestrang zu spalten. Wir können die DNAzym Aktivität vorübergehend pausieren, indem wir die Tröpfchenbildung mit einem Treibstoff induzieren. Nach dem Verbrauch des Treibstoffs beginnt die Aktivität des DNAzym wieder von selbst. Wir können uns vorstellen, dass dieses System zur Hoch‐ und Herunterregulierung mehrere Reaktionen in einem Netzwerk benutzt werden könnte, was zu einem besseren Verständnis der Komplexität von zellulären Reaktionswegen führen würde. Mit einem Netzwerk, in welchem das DNAzym reziprok die Eigenschaften des Tröpfchens regulieren kann, hätten wir ein vielversprechendes Instrument für die Konstruktion von synthetischen Zellen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the availability of a variety of ' -omics ' technologies to support the system-wide analysis of industrially relevant microorganisms, the manipulation of strains towards an economically relevant goal remains a challenge. Remarkably, our ability to catalogue the participants in and model ever more comprehensive aspects of a microorganism's physiology is now complemented by technologies that permanently expand the scope of engineering interventions that can be imagined. In fact, genome-wide editing and re-synthesis of microbial and even eukaryotic chromosomes have become widely applied methods. At the heart of this emerging system-wide engineering approach, often labelled ' Synthetic Biology ' , is the continuous improvement of large-scale DNA synthesis, which is put to two-fold use: (i) starting ever more ambitious efforts to re-write existing and coding novel molecular systems, and (ii) designing and constructing increasingly sophisticated library technologies, which has led to a renaissance of directed evolution in strain engineering. Here, we briefly review some of the critical concepts and technological stepping-stones of Synthetic Biology on its way to becoming a mature industrial technology.

Our group at the University of Bern uses biochemical and biophysical techniques to unravel details of the molecular mechanism of membrane proteins. Of special interest are the large multi-subunit complexes of the universally conserved respiratory chain and the ATP synthase that are found in mitochondria and aerobic bacteria. In a bottom-up approach using purified membrane proteins and synthetic lipids, we aim to mimic the basic processes of oxidative phosphorylation. We further develop methodologies to increase the complexity of such artificial systems, paving the way for a synthetic mitochondrion. In this minireview, we summarize recent efforts of our groups and others towards a synthetic respiratory chain.

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A new team of researchers at EPFL is taking an 'anti-disciplinary' approach to creating optical devices. These devices take advantage of the synergy in tuning both nano- and bio-material properties, coupling the advantages of two growing, albeit traditionally distinct, fields. With applications spanning from biosensing and microarray assays to living photovoltaics, the Laboratory of NanoBiotechnology (LNB) is uncovering an unexplored space for the next generation of chemical analytics and light-harvesting technologies.

Synthetic biology approaches range from the introduction of unique features into organisms to the assembly of isolated biomacromolecules or synthetic building blocks into artificial biological systems with biomimetic or completely novel functionalities. Simple molecular systems can be based on containers on the nanoscale that are equipped with tailored functional modules for various applications in healthcare, industry or biological and medical research. The concept, or vision, of assembling native or engineered proteins and/or synthetic components as functional modules into molecular systems is discussed. The main focus is laid on the engineering of energizing modules generating chemical energy, transport modules using this energy to translocate molecules between compartments of a molecular system, and catalytic modules (bio-)chemically processing the molecules. Further key aspects of this discourse are possible approaches for the assembly of simple nanofactories and their applications in biotechnology and medical health.

This review essay deals with three topics: 1. sexual diversity in the light of human science and philosophical anthropology; 2. the evolution of mating systems and their development in the tension between nature and culture; 3. the future of sexual behavior from the perspective of synthetic biology. Summary: It is unlikely that the basic dynamic of bipolar sexuality will disappear, but it will most probably produce new and unexpected forms of sexual identity and strengthen the personal self-awareness of men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 20 May 2010, the Venter Institute in America announced that they have fully synthesised the genome of the organism Mycoplasma mycoides whilst in vitro by using a computer connected to a machine that synthesises genes. Thereafter, the genome was placed back into the casing of another organism (Mycoplasma capricolum) and it was reported that the synthesised organism and the genome functioned normally. This synthesised organism was reconstructed to function as a minute little factory with the aim of producing and secreting fuel and medicine − something that is not the natural function of this organism. There are certain potential dangers inherent in this kind of technology. Scientists fear that this technology may contaminate or infect humans, animals or the environment, and that it can as such be extremely harmful, or even lead to the destruction of humans. Other scientists are concerned that terrorists can use this technology to kill innocent citizens. Some ethicists are of the opinion that the consequences of synthetic biology is currently unpredictable and that it is therefore risky. In opposition to the potential dangers, one has to mention that synthetic biology indeed can result in far-reaching positive outcomes such as the manufacturing of biofuel and medication. Most scientists and ethicists are of the opinion that the potential dangers involved in synthetic biology should be evaluated in light of the fact that genetic manipulation has not caused any biological devastation over the last 30 years. From a Christian point of departure, the opinion is currently that synthetic biology is not an irresponsible science and technology. ’n Verkenning van sintetiese biologie: ’n Voorlopige Christelik-etiese beoordeling van die voor- en nadele van sintetiese biologie. Op 20 Mei 2010 het die Venter-instituut (in Amerika) aangekondig dat hulle die genoom van die organisme Mycoplasma mycoides ten volle in vitro gesintetiseer het (deur middel van ’n rekenaar, gekoppel aan ’n masjien wat gene sintetiseer). Die berig het verder gelei dat die genoom daarna teruggeplaas is in die omhulsel van ’n ander organisme (Mycoplasma capricolum) − en dat die gesintetiseerde genoom en organisme normaal gefunksioneer het. Hierdie gesintetiseerde organisme word gerekonstrueer om as minuskule fabriek te funksioneer met die doel om brandstof en medisyne te produseer en te sekreer − wat nie die natuurlike funksie van die organisme is nie. Aan hierdie tegnologie is daar ook bepaalde potensiële gevare verbonde. Wetenskaplikes is bang dat hierdie tegnologie mens, dier en omgewing kan kontamineer of infekteer en op dié wyse groot skade kan aanrig − en selfs tot mense se dood kan lei. Ander wetenskaplikes is weer bekommerd dat hierdie tegnologie deur terroriste gebruik kan word om onskuldige burgers dood te maak. Sommige etici is oortuig dat die gevolge van sintetiese biologie tans onvoorspelbaar, en daarom riskant is. Teenoor die potensiële gevare moet gestel word dat sintetiese biologie inderdaad omvangryke positiewe uitkomste soos die vervaardiging van biobrandstof en medisyne tot gevolg kan hê. Meeste wetenskaplikes en etici is van mening dat die potensiële gevare verbonde aan sintetiese biologie beoordeel moet word in die lig van die feit dat genetiese manipulasie in die afgelope 30 jaar geen biologiese ramp veroorsaak het nie. Uit ’n Christelike oogpunt word voorlopig geoordeel dat sintetiese biologie nie ’n onverantwoordelike wetenskap en tegnologie is nie.

Since several thousand years, biotechnology and its associated technical processes have great impact on the development of mankind. Based on empirical methods, in particular for the production of foodstuffs and daily commodities, these disciplines have become one of the most innovative future issues. Due to the increasing detailed understanding of cellular processes, production strains can now be optimized. In combination with modern bioprocesses, a variety of bulk and fine chemicals as well as pharmaceuticals can be produced efficiently. In this article, some of the current trends in biotechnology are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable development is a great challenge for both research and education in engineering sciences. It requires not only that a specific technology meets specific functional needs, but also that the technology is developed under democratic decision processes. I therefore argue that we need to reflect on the specific structure of the epistemic culture of engineering sciences. Engineering sciences are characterized by a constellation of so-called innovation cultures and reflexive cultures. Innovation cultures are formed around an important scientific-technical principle, like electronics or the transformation of chemical substances. Reflexive cultures analyze the specific structure of technological environments in order to avoid risks related to a specific technology. I elaborate on the innate tension between innovation cultures and reflexive cultures, using synthetic chemistry and synthetic biology as main examples. I conclude that technical education has to 1. become more aware of the epistemic structure of engineering sciences, and 2. address the specific socio-political processes of embedding technology in society, thus promoting democratic decisions on innovations and their risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]