Synthetic biology - Engineering cell-based biomedical devices

Synthetic biology applies rational bottom-up engineering principles to create cell-based biological systems with novel and enhanced functionality to address currently unmet clinical needs. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the state-of-the-art in cell-based therapeutic solutions, focussing on how these integrated biological devices can enhance and complement the natural functionality of cells in order to provide novel treatments. We also highlight some blueprints for synthetic biology-inspired approaches to developing cell-based cancer therapies, and briefly discuss their future clinical potential.