From design to application: Transforming synthetic biology through DBTL and biofoundry innovation

Synthetic biology involves designing and engineering biological systems through iterative rounds of testing and modification to develop the most effective solutions. Synthetic biology tools have been used across industries, including healthcare, environmental, and agricultural sectors, to produce commodity chemicals, natural products, biofuels, and vaccines. The Design-Build-Test-Learn (DBTL) platform defines key aspects of synthetic biology, transitioning from labour-intensive to fully automated biofoundries in the metabolic engineering paradigm. This insight discusses the innovative methods that pushed the boundaries in each segment of the DBTL workflow. It also recapitulates the role of DBTL pipelines in different applications and technical bottlenecks, highlighting opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations. Further, recent efforts, such as deep learning and automation, are also discussed to meet the demand for valuable products.