Reprogramming Life: Synthetic Biology Approaches for Next-Gen Strain Engineering

Dear Colleagues, 

Synthetic biology is rapidly redefining how we understand and reprogram life, positioning itself as a transformative and interdisciplinary field that unites biology, engineering, and computational sciences. By enabling the rational design and construction of novel biological systems, synthetic biology offers unprecedented opportunities to reengineer microorganisms for enhanced metabolic efficiency, tailored enzymatic activities, and entirely new biological functions.

In microbial systems, synthetic biology enables the rewiring of metabolic networks, paving the way for the sustainable and efficient production of pharmaceuticals, advanced biofuels, specialty chemicals, and other high-value bioproducts. Beyond metabolism, cutting-edge enzyme engineering—powered by synthetic biology tools—has greatly expanded the functional repertoire of microbial hosts. These innovations allow the creation of enzymes with enhanced precision, catalytic efficiency, and the ability to perform both natural and non-natural biochemical transformations. Such fine-grained control over microbial metabolism and enzymatic functions is essential in order to address global challenges spanning healthcare, industrial biotechnology, climate change mitigation, and sustainable development.

As the demand for greener, more efficient, and economically viable biotechnological solutions intensifies, the integration of synthetic biology into strain engineering will promote next-generation innovation.

This Special Issue aims to highlight recent breakthroughs in synthetic biology strategies that enable next-generation strain engineering for enhanced microbial metabolism and enzyme design. We welcome both fundamental studies that strengthen our understanding of biological design principles and applied research showcasing translational or industrial impact. Contributions from academic and industrial researchers alike will reflect the diverse, interdisciplinary, and rapidly evolving nature of this field.

This Special Issue aligns closely with the journal’s scope, encompassing microbial biotechnology, systems and synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, enzyme technology, and bioprocess innovation. We particularly welcome submissions that emphasize novel methodologies, engineered pathways, or microbial platforms with real-world applications, in support of the journal’s mission to promote impactful science bridging discovery and innovation.

The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

• Synthetic redesign and optimization of microbial metabolic networks;
• CRISPR/Cas and advanced genome-editing applications in microbial strain engineering;
• Design of dynamic regulatory systems, biosensors, and feedback circuits for precise pathway control;
• Multi-omics integration and computational modeling to guide synthetic biology and metabolic design;
• AI- and machine learning–driven approaches for pathway optimization and enzyme prediction.

By compiling recent advances and perspectives, this Special Issue will provide a comprehensive and timely overview of synthetic biology as a powerful engine for reprogramming life. It aims to serve as a valuable resource for both academic researchers and industry practitioners who are shaping the future of microbial biotechnology and next-generation strain engineering.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Thanaporn Laothanachareon
Dr. Chitwadee Phithakrotchanakoon
Dr. Nunthaphan Vikromvarasiri
Guest Editors

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• synthetic biology
• strain engineering
• metabolic pathway redesign
• CRISPR/Cas genome editing
• microbial cell factories
• multi-omics integration
• AI-driven metabolic design
• sustainable bioproduction