Synthetic biology in diagnostics, treatment and drug development

Bulgarian Medical Journal, 2025, 19(4), 33-39.

T. Vekov, N. Chilingirova, L. Dimova, I. Simova

MHAT „Heart and brain“ – Pleven

Abstract. Synthetic biology is one of the fastest growing and dynamic multidisciplinary fields, encompassing a variety of strategies, approaches, and definitions. It applies engineering principles to genetically engineer and transform cells or living organisms by constructing biological functional components, devices, and systems, by creating or reinventing biological modules to meet human needs, or even by forming new biological systems. The publication presents the current achievements of synthetic biology in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, as well as the use of synthetic cells in drug discovery and development. Using computational and experimental approaches, synthetic biology can help design engineered cells as new platforms for drug screening or as biofactories for the production of complex bioactive compounds. The main goal of medical synthetic biology is to genetically modify cells and redesign/synthesize regulatory systems to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Key words: synthetic biology, drugs, diagnostics, treatment

Address for correspondence: Prof. Toni Vekov, e-mail: t.vekov.mu.pleven@abv.bg