27 Cell - like Entities : Scientific Challenges and Future Applications

In the last few decades, scientists have learned how to manipulate the basic components of life, how to design biomolecular networks, how to evolve biomolecules with unique characteristics, and how to direct and control cellular processes at the molecular level. Using this knowledge as a foundation, it is theoretically possible to conceive of designing biological constructs, which we refer to as cell-like entities (CLEs), that use custom engineered biological machinery to accomplish specified tasks. The practical challenge is: Can we fabricate biological constructs for specific purposes using the same principles and components found in natural biological systems? For example, can CLEs be designed to detect very low levels of specific chemicals and fluoresce to indicate their presence, can they be designed to synthesize functional chemicals on demand, or can they use engineered metabolic pathways to detoxify environmental pollutants? The building of CLEs that could accomplish these goals would result in fundamental breakthroughs in exploiting our understanding of cellular control systems and biochemical information processing. The concept of the CLE is based on understanding how the biochemical reactions network that we call a living cell functions, how is it controlled, and what the key processes and components are that will provide unique functions when integrated. The goal is not to create a living organism, but to create a biological construct that uses the essence of living systems to provide a wide array of solutions to current technological and medical challenges.