Regulation of synthetic biology: BioBricks, biopunks and bioentrepreneurs

In: Elgar studies in law and regulation

Abstract

"This book explores the interplay between regulation and emerging technologies in the context of synthetic biology, a developing field that promises great benefits, and has already yielded fuels and medicines made with designer micro-organisms. For all its promise, however, it also poses various risks. Investigating the distinctiveness of synthetic biology and the regulatory issues that arise, [the author] questions whether synthetic biology can be regulated within existing structures or whether new mechanisms are needed. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, [the author] draws on diverse areas of law, the science of synthetic biology and the history and sociology of science. [The author] concludes that synthetic biology presents novel regulatory challenges relating to environmental risk, biosafety, biosecurity and intellectual property. These challenges arise from the uniqueness of the science, the nature of its communities of scientists (including citizen scientists or 'biobunks') and the uncertainty surrounding possible hazards. Some scientists see intellectual property protection as a way to push innovation forward (bioentrepreneurs), while others openly share synthetic biology tools such as BioBricks. By understanding the range of regulatory challenges, the book make a case for enhanced regulation that protects us from synthetic biology's risks, whilst capturing its potential to improve our world."--