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Engineering is evolution: a perspective on design processes to engineer biology

Author

Listed:
  • Simeon D. Castle

    (24 Tyndall Avenue)

  • Michiel Stock

    (Ghent University)

  • Thomas E. Gorochowski

    (24 Tyndall Avenue
    Cantock’s Close)

Abstract

Careful consideration of how we approach design is crucial to all areas of biotechnology. However, choosing or developing an effective design methodology is not always easy as biology, unlike most areas of engineering, is able to adapt and evolve. Here, we put forward that design and evolution follow a similar cyclic process and therefore all design methods, including traditional design, directed evolution, and even random trial and error, exist within an evolutionary design spectrum. This contrasts with conventional views that often place these methods at odds and provides a valuable framework for unifying engineering approaches for challenging biological design problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Simeon D. Castle & Michiel Stock & Thomas E. Gorochowski, 2024. "Engineering is evolution: a perspective on design processes to engineer biology," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-48000-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48000-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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