a16z Podcast: All About Synthetic Biology

Key takeaways

Synthetic biology is transforming from a theoretical framework to a practical discipline, involving engineering principles to design biological systems.
A successful synthesis between biologists and engineers is crucial to advance understanding and application in synthetic biology.
Understanding the distinction between platform and product companies will shape the strategic approach to entrepreneurship in synthetic biology.
Programs like Biobits are critical in fostering early interest and understanding in synthetic biology, potentially leading to advancements in tackling global challenges.
The future of synthetic biology lies in the effective blending of engineering, machine learning, and traditional biological science.

Summary

The Birth and Evolution of Synthetic Biology

The episode begins with insights into the founding story of synthetic biology, detailing how it emerged from an era dominated by genome sequencing in the 1990s. Jim Collins describes how the initial focus was heavily on individual genes and proteins, lacking an understanding of the underlying networks that interconnected them. It discusses how the fields of engineering and physics began to engage with molecular biology to address these complexities, paving the way for systems biology.

Engineering Biology: Concepts and Techniques

Collins further elaborates on the engineering principles that assist in creating biological systems. The conversation highlights the notion of 'reverse engineering' biological networks, akin to flipping switches in a circuit board. This engineering approach allows for the design and construction of biological circuits (including the toggle switch), marrying biology with engineering concepts to manipulate living systems intentionally.

Disciplinary Dynamics: Biologists vs. Engineers

A significant theme of the podcast centers around the cultural clash and complementary aspects of biologists and engineers. Collins shares anecdotes reflecting the differing mindsets between these groups—biologists focused on understanding mechanisms and curiosity-driven exploration, while engineers prioritize practical applications and functional success. He notes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for the future of science.

Synthetic Biology in Business: Platforms vs. Products

Collins explains the strategic decisions involved in launching companies in synthetic biology, making a distinction between platform and product companies. He discusses how platform companies develop technologies applicable across various products, while product companies focus on specific therapeutics or diagnostics. This decision impacts investment strategies and the potential for scalable solutions.

Teaching the Next Generation: Biobits and Education

Concluding the episode, the discussion shifts to the educational tools being developed to introduce synthetic biology concepts at a young age. The 'Biobits' kits allow students to engage with the principles of synthetic biology hands-on, illustrating the potential for integrating biological design thinking into primary and secondary education. This innovation aims to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers who will tackle complex global challenges.

Show notes

with James J. Collins, Vijay Pande (@vijaypande), and Hanne Tidnam (@omnivorousread)

The idea of 'designing biology' -- once science fiction -- has over the last 20 years become just... science. In this episode, a16z bio general partner Vijay Pande with Hanne Tidnam talk all about the field of synthetic biology with James J. Collins, professor of bioengineering at MIT. Collins, whose work in synthetic biology and systems biology pioneered the field, has also launched a number of companies and received numerous awards and honors (including a MacArthur "Genius" Award, an NIH Director's Pioneer Award, and Sanofi-Institut Pasteur Award).

This wide-ranging conversation about the birth of synthetic biology covers everything from the founding story of the discipline to what "engineering and designing" biology really looks like in action -- when instead of engineering electrons, you are engineering toggle switches for genes -- to the disciplinary differences (and synergies) between how biologists and engineers see the world. What are the engineering and design principles, techniques, approaches that work best when applied to science? How does building a company in this new space look different, in terms of platforms and products? And how is this new field changing education in science, all the way down to kits that allow you to play with the machinery of a cell... at home... and even in middle school?

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