Synthetic biology can be described as both the design and fabrication of biological components and systems that do not exist in the natural world and the re-design and fabrication of existing biological systems. By combining expertise in the fields of biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, engineering and organic chemistry, synthetic biology can be utilised to manufacture existing biological pieces into machines and create artificial systems that reproduce properties of living systems. By creating systems that mimic what nature has created, such as the interactions between proteins and genes, scientists can discover the basic principles that rule living systems. They can then apply that knowledge for untold purposes, from creating new medicines to solving the world's energy crisis to discovering life on other planets.

Some possible applications:

Photosynthetic oil factories

Humans that photosynthesize!

Dust eaters

Biologically compatible miniature cameras

Implantable living battery for medical device

Beneficial bacterial infections programmed to augment immunity, provide needed vitamins, etc.