Realizing the potential of synthetic biology

Five experts discuss their views on the main achievements and challenges of synthetic biology in basic and applied science, consider potential ethical issues, and describe how synthetic biology relates to disciplines such as systems biology and computational modelling. Synthetic biology, despite still being in its infancy, is increasingly providing valuable information for applications in the clinic, the biotechnology industry and in basic molecular research. Both its unique potential and the challenges it presents have brought together the expertise of an eclectic group of scientists, from cell biologists to engineers. In this Viewpoint article, five experts discuss their views on the future of synthetic biology, on its main achievements in basic and applied science, and on the bioethical issues that are associated with the design of new biological systems.