In the heart of Malaysia, a quiet revolution is brewing, one that could reshape the global energy sector and beyond. Dr. Choo Yee Yu, a researcher at the Laboratory of Vaccine and Biomolecules, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, is at the forefront of this transformation, leading a charge into the world of biofoundries and synthetic biology. Her recent review, published in *Frontiers in Synthetic Biology* (which translates to *Frontiers in Artificial Life Science*), offers a compelling glimpse into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Biofoundries, as Dr. Choo explains, are not your typical laboratories. They are high-tech hubs where automation, robotics, and bioinformatics converge to streamline the synthetic biology workflow. “The high-throughput capability of biofoundry not only accelerates the discovery pace of synthetic biology but also makes it possible to expand the catalogue of bio-based products that can be produced,” she notes. This acceleration is not just about speed; it’s about sustainability and transformative solutions for industries ranging from biomanufacturing to agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and even the environment.
At the core of this revolution is the Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) engineering cycle. This iterative process allows researchers to design biological systems, build them, test their functionality, and learn from the results to refine their designs. Early success stories have already demonstrated the potential of biofoundries, but the journey is not without its challenges.
Dr. Choo highlights the need for continuous concerted efforts to support the planning and establishment of biofoundries. “Continuous concerted efforts are required to support the planning and establishment of a biofoundry as well as in addressing the gaps and challenges of maintaining a sustainable biofoundry,” she emphasizes. These challenges include biosafety and biosecurity concerns, the need for robust bioinformatics tools, and the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance automation and data analysis.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Biofoundries could pave the way for the development of bio-based fuels, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The ability to produce bio-based products at scale could also drive economic growth and create new job opportunities, fostering a bioeconomy that is both sustainable and resilient.
As we stand on the cusp of this biofoundry revolution, Dr. Choo’s work serves as a beacon, guiding us through the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Her research not only sheds light on the current state of biofoundries but also offers a roadmap for future developments. The journey is just beginning, and the potential is limitless.