---
title: "GAO Science & Tech Spotlight: Synthetic Biology"
description: "CBRNe World provides those tasked with defending against CBRN and IED threats with the essential practical, scientific and political information. Access the current and previous issues of the magazine by registering as a member."
url: "https://cbrneworld.com/news/subscribers/gao-science-tech-spotlight-synthetic-biology"
date: "2026-07-30T21:14:04+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---

#  GAO Science & Tech Spotlight: Synthetic Biology

 Written by Zoe Rutherford on 25 April 2023.

On April 17, 2023, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) published a “Science & Tech Spotlight” on synthetic biology.

The GAO defines synthetic biology as “a multidisciplinary field of biotechnology that involves engineering the genetic material of organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, yeast, plants, or animals, to have new characteristics.” According to the GAO, scientists are currently exploring the use of synthetic biology to address environmental challenges by engineering organisms to use carbon dioxide, produce biofuels for vehicles, and transform methane into biodegradable plastics. GAO notes that the synthetic biology market could grow from about $10 billion in 2021 to between $37 billion and $100 billion dollars by 2030.

More information, including highlights and the full report can be found [here](https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-106648)

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