Synthetic biology for bio-derived structural materials

Biologically derived materials have numerous applications in biomedical fields and beyond. Yet, the properties of these materials are difficult to alter because the natural biosynthetic mechanisms are difficult to elucidate, imitate, or adjust. Thus, many bio-derived materials are isolated from natural tissues, or substitutes are recombinantly produced and then modified ex vivo. A major shift in this paradigm is being driven by the maturing field of synthetic biology, which is innovating a 'tool box' of methods to tune biomolecules and biosynthetic mechanisms in vivo. In the context of materials, this has led to higher production titers due to reprogrammed natural biosynthesis and has enabled design of novel materials by combining desired domains in vivo. Here, we highlight recent applications of synthetic biology to bio-derived ribosomal and nonribosomal polymer materials for biomedical applications. We then describe state-of-the-art techniques that will impact bio-derived material production and engineering in the near future. Continued innovation at the convergence of synthetic biology and materials science promises to begin a new era of biomaterial design and synthesis.