Synthetic biology refers to artificial design and construction of genetic parts and biology systems, which is based on genetic engineering of systematic biology. We firstly review the development status of synthetic biology, the ethical issue, and the safety issue it may cause to the environment and public health. Europe and America support the development of synthetic biology while continuing to improve their management mechanisms. In view of the fact that domestic synthetic biology is still in its infancy, we recommend some corresponding countermeasures in the development of systematic biology based on the lessons from others countries, including strengthening risk assessment in the application and research of synthetic biology, improving supervision and management systems, strengthening biosafety and bioethics education, and promoting exchanges with the international community.

synthetic biology  /  biosafety  /  bioethics