What Are the Opportunities for Synthetic Biology in Toxicology?
Synthetic biology has the potential to revolutionize toxicology through several avenues:
Detection of Toxins: Engineered biosensors can be designed to detect specific toxins in the environment, providing rapid and accurate assessments of pollution levels.
Biodegradation: By engineering microorganisms to break down toxic substances, synthetic biology can enhance biodegradation processes and reduce the accumulation of harmful chemicals.
Drug Development: Synthetic biology can facilitate the development of new pharmaceuticals by enabling the production of complex molecules that may act as antidotes or treatments for toxic exposures.