Synthetic Biology-Driven Innovation in Advanced Materials

Synthetic biology is emerging as a frontier interdisciplinary discipline that is increasingly regarded as a key driver of sustainable innovation in advanced materials. By leveraging the design-build-test-learn (DBTL) cycle and through genetic circuit reconstruction, metabolic pathway optimization, and enzyme engineering, predictable and programmable microbial cell factories are being created, enabling bio-based material production. This study summarizes the technological foundations that underpin synthetic biology in material innovation, with a focus on elucidating the mechanisms of novel material synthesis in microbial cell factories, the advantages of biosynthetic approaches, and the functional roles of key biological elements in material production. On this basis, it highlights representative applications in bio-based, smart, functional, and biodegradable materials, and discusses how synthetic biomanufacturing is reshaping the green and intelligent transformation of the materials sector. Finally, it outlines future development trends and proposes development strategies. Future progress will rely on closer interdisciplinary integration, more rapid translation into industrial practice, and the development of platform-based and modular strategies, which together will support the carbon neutrality goals and the high-quality growth of the materials industry.