Engineering biology applications for environmental solutions: potential and challenges

David J. Lea-Smith (), Francis Hassard, Frederic Coulon, Natalie Partridge, Louise Horsfall, Kyle D. J. Parker, Robert D. J. Smith, Ronan R. McCarthy, Boyd McKew, Tony Gutierrez, Vinod Kumar, Gabriella Dotro, Zhugen Yang and Natalio Krasnogor ()
Additional contact information
David J. Lea-Smith: University of East Anglia
Francis Hassard: Cranfield University
Frederic Coulon: Cranfield University
Natalie Partridge: GitLife Biotech Ltd
Louise Horsfall: University of Edinburgh
Kyle D. J. Parker: University of Edinburgh
Robert D. J. Smith: University of Edinburgh
Ronan R. McCarthy: Brunel University London
Boyd McKew: University of Essex
Tony Gutierrez: Heriot-Watt University
Vinod Kumar: Cranfield University
Gabriella Dotro: Cranfield University
Zhugen Yang: Cranfield University
Natalio Krasnogor: GitLife Biotech Ltd

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Engineering biology applies synthetic biology to address global environmental challenges like bioremediation, biosequestration, pollutant monitoring, and resource recovery. This perspective outlines innovations in engineering biology, its integration with other technologies (e.g., nanotechnology, IoT, AI), and commercial ventures leveraging these advancements. We also discuss commercialisation and scaling challenges, biosafety and biosecurity considerations including biocontainment strategies, social and political dimensions, and governance issues that must be addressed for successful real-world implementation. Finally, we highlight future perspectives and propose strategies to overcome existing hurdles, aiming to accelerate the adoption of engineering biology for environmental solutions.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58492-0

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