Call for Papers: Synthetic Biology—Enabling Technologies and Practical Applications

Synthetic biology is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles from biology, chemistry, engineering, and computer science to design and construct novel biological systems to perform desired cellular functions. With recent advancements in enabling technologies, including CRISPR/Cas9, DNA assembly, automation, and computational tools, synthetic biology has paved the way for novel applications across various domains. From advanced biomanufacturing to biomedical breakthroughs and to environmental solutions, synthetic biology continues to evolve, shaping the future of science and technology. The goal of this special issue is to collect and publish recent significant advances in synthetic biology, with a focus on enabling technologies and practical applications.

Original Research Articles, Letters, Reviews, Perspectives, Viewpoints and Commentaries are welcome for submission. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Enabling technologies for synthetic biology: CRISPR/Cas9 and precise genome editing, protein design and engineering, pathway assembly, genetic circuit design, quantitative modeling, artificial cellular systems, automation and BioFoundry, and BT/IT integration;
• Biotechnological applications of synthetic biology: biomanufacturing, biomedical applications, environmental remediation, agricultural and food innovations, biomaterials, biosensing, and biosecurity.

Organizing Editors

Prof. Baojun Wang, Guest Editor
Zhejiang University, China

Prof. Ting Lu, Guest Editor
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States

Prof. Jiazhang Lian, Guest Editor
Zhejiang University, China

Submission Information

Submissions are welcome through September 30, 2025, and Article Publishing Charges (APCs) are waived. All articles will be peer reviewed prior to acceptance to ensure they fit the scope of the virtual special issue and meet the high scientific publishing standards of Chem & Bio Engineering. Peer review will be handled by the Editors of the journal.

If accepted, publications will go online as soon as possible and be published in the next available issue. Publications on this topic will be gathered into a virtual issue and widely promoted as significant contributions to this research area.

Open Access

Chem & Bio Engineering is a fully open access journal; thus, your publication will be available to anyone, anywhere in the world, at any time. APCs for manuscripts submitted by December 31, 2026 are covered by the journal if they are accepted after peer review.

Visit our Open Science Resource Center to learn more about our various open access options available to researchers.

How to Submit

• Log in to the ACS Publishing Center.
• Select the “Journals” tab.
• Search for Chem & Bio Engineering.
• Click "Submit."
• Select your manuscript type, and, under "Special Issue Selection," choose "Synthetic Biology."

Please see our Author Guidelines for more information on submission requirements.