Synthetic biology-based therapeutic cells for drug delivery: Engineered cells effectively transport and release drugs through their intelligence and controllability, such as feedback pathways and external stimuli (e.g., light and ultrasound). The integration of nanotechnology, including nanoparticles, biofilms, and artificial cells, enhances specificity and versatility. Together, synthetic biology and nanotechnology are paving the way for advanced intelligent therapeutic systems.
Abstract:
Although drug delivery technology has promoted the clinical translation of small molecule drugs, there is an urgent need for advanced delivery systems to overcome complex physiological barriers and the increasing development of biological drugs. This review overviews the emerging applications of synthetic biology-based engineered cells for drug delivery. We first introduce synthetic biology strategies to engineer cells for biological drug delivery and discuss the benefits in terms of specificity, intelligence, and controllability. Furthermore, we highlight the cutting-edge advancements at the convergence of synthetic biology and nanotechnology in drug delivery. Nanotechnology expands the engineering design and construction concepts of synthetic biology, and synthetic biology drives the development for biotechnology-driven nanomaterial synthesis. In the future, synthetic biology-based engineered cells may be developed to be more modular, standardized, and intelligent, leading to significant breakthroughs in the construction of advanced drug delivery systems.
Author list:
Wenzhe Yi†, Shuangshuang Hu†, Xindi Qian, Wenlu Yan, Yaping Li*
How to cite:
W. Yi, S. Hu, X. Qian, W. Yan, Y. Li, Exploration 2025, 20240095.
https://doi.org/10.1002/EXP.20240095