The landmark conference that transformed synthetic biology from discovery science to engineering discipline
In July 2013, on the bustling campus of Imperial College London, something remarkable was unfolding. Over 700 scientists, engineers, ethicists, and entrepreneurs from around the globe had gathered for what would become a landmark moment in modern science: SB6.0, the 6th International Meeting on Synthetic Biology 1 .
700+ participants from diverse scientific backgrounds united by a common vision of engineering biology.
Shifting biology from discovery science to engineering discipline with predictable, standardized approaches.
SB6.0 represented the pinnacle of a conference series organized by the BioBricks Foundation, designed specifically as "the preeminent academic meeting in synthetic biology" 1 . What made this gathering exceptional wasn't just its scale—though with over 700 attendees it was the largest synthetic biology conference to date—but its deliberate global character and interdisciplinary nature 1 .
Exploring how engineering principles can be applied to complex biological systems
Building collaborative networks across disciplines and institutions
Developing novel biomaterials with customized properties
"Synthetic biology is the design and construction of new biological devices and systems—or the redesign of existing natural biological systems—for useful practical purposes" 2 .
Creating genetic circuits that can perform logic operations, much like electronic circuits.
Reprogramming entire cellular systems by writing or extensively editing genomes.
Building simple, cell-like entities from non-living components to understand life's principles.
| Approach | Core Objective | Example Applications |
|---|---|---|
| DNA-based Device Construction | Create genetic circuits with predictable functions | Biological sensors, cellular computers |
| Genome-driven Cell Engineering | Reprogram entire organisms by designing their genomes | Microbes that produce pharmaceuticals, minimized cells |
| Protocell Creation | Build simple cell-like systems from non-living components | Artificial cells for drug delivery, understanding life's origins |
A recurring theme both at SB6.0 and throughout synthetic biology is what researchers call the "drive to make"—a fundamental commitment to creating and producing that shapes how the field defines itself, conducts research, and produces knowledge 7 .
The field's drive to make influences what counts as valuable knowledge. Knowing-how often takes precedence over knowing-why, and successful construction serves as validation of understanding 9 .
"Synthetic biology delivers knowledge via synthesis" that would be difficult or impossible to attain through traditional analytical approaches alone 9 .
One of the most ambitious goals discussed at SB6.0 was the quest to create a minimal bacterial cell—an organism stripped down to only the genes essential for life. This project represents synthetic biology's ultimate test: to not merely tweak existing life but to fundamentally redefine it through what's known as the "top-down" approach 6 .
| Bacterial Species | Original Genome Size | Minimized Genome Size | Reduction Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mycoplasma mycoides | ~1,100 genes | ~500 genes | ~55% |
| Mesoplasma florum | ~700 genes | ~400 genes | ~43% |
| Escherichia coli | ~4,300 genes | ~3,000 genes | ~30% |
The ambitious projects showcased at SB6.0 depend on an array of sophisticated tools and reagents. These technologies form the essential toolkit that makes synthetic biology possible.
| Reagent/Material | Primary Function | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|
| DNA Polymerases | Amplify DNA sequences | PCR, DNA assembly |
| Restriction Enzymes | Cut DNA at specific sequences | Golden Gate assembly, cloning |
| Ligases | Join DNA fragments together | DNA circuit construction |
| BioBrick Parts | Standardized genetic components | Modular genetic circuit design |
| Competent Cells | Host cells for DNA transformation | Plasmid propagation, protein expression |
The reverberations from SB6.0 extended far beyond the conference halls of Imperial College. The research presented and connections forged during those three days in July 2013 continued to shape synthetic biology for years to come.
Conference highlights documented in ACS Synthetic Biology
Advancement of standardized biological parts and methods
Solutions for health, energy, and sustainability challenges
The foundational work presented at SB6.0 has paved the way for engineered organisms that produce advanced biofuels, precision medicines, and novel biomaterials with properties not found in nature .