Synthetic biology and biotechnology for military medicine and chemical and biological defence – current state and future perspectives

This report presents a horizon scan of potential capabilities within military medicine and chemical and biological (CB) defence based on technological developments in synthetic biology and bio-technology. It is based on a review of existing literature from open sources and NATO reports. Synthetic biology and biotechnology have gained increasing attention by NATO and defence research institutes, and they are highlighted in the NATO Science and Technology Trend Report 2023-2043 as an Emerging and Disruptive Technology (EDT). Synthetic biology includes techno-logies that enable design and modification of organisms and biological systems to perform new tasks. Rapid advances within synthetic biology and biotechnology enable improvements in areas such as medicine, materials, sustainability, and energy production, potentially benefitting the defence sector in the form of strategic technological advantages and enhanced preparedness. However, improved access outside regulated labs raises concerns due to open-source pathogen genomics, de-skilling in biology, and affordable DNA synthesis. This underscores the need to stay informed about advancements to effectively counter potential malevolent applications. Our report highlights the potential benefits of synthetic biology while reviewing its core technologies, like DNA synthesis and sequencing, genetic engineering, stem cell technology, and biosensors. We explore how these advancements can benefit both military medical services and CB defence, as well as yield benefits for civilian preparedness and public health. Our report places particular emphasis on medical countermeasures and detection applications, including efforts to address the critical issue of antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, we explore treatments for physical trauma, including innovative methods like regenerative medicine, which incorporates advanced technologies like stem cells and 3D-printing. In addition, we highlight the potential of gene sequencing for detection and identification purposes (DIM), disease prevention, treatment, and soldier enhancement, including ethical and privacy concerns as key barriers to its advancement. Our general recommendations include allocating significant resources to research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) and fostering collaboration with academia and private enter-prises. However, ethical framework and governance must be addressed as soon as possible. The security risks are another challenge posed by the convergence of biotechnology and digital technologies, which require innovative solutions to safeguard sensitive data and research. Our report also presents capability-specific suggestions. First, the development of DIM methods for genetically engineered microbes within the realm of CB defence should be encouraged. Additionally, biotechnological approaches that enable rapid, on-site production of medical countermeasures should be explored. Attention should also be given to regulatory frameworks concerning human enhancement, encompassing genetic modifications of humans and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for both medical and non-medical applications. Lastly, it is essential to adopt and adapt civilian applications of synthetic biology and biotechnologies, leveraging them for DIM capabilities, the development of new antibiotics and vaccines, and the advancement of technology aimed at combating antimicrobial-resistant microbes.