Research progress in the development of cell-free systems and applications in synthetic biology

Fatima, Zarfeen and Farooq, Hafiza Amna and Nadeem, Ayesha and Ahmed, Maryam and Yaseen, Farzeen (2025) Research progress in the development of cell-free systems and applications in synthetic biology. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 15 (1). 084-097. ISSN 2582-8185

Cell-free Protein Synthesis, or (CFPS), is an interesting innovation in synthetic biology that allows for precise and controlled manufacturing of proteins and biomolecules. This review explores the progress made in CFPS techniques, especially in lysate preparation, computational modelling, gene impairments, and system improvements. Advances in optimized ribosomes, synthetic genetic circuits, and codon usage have improved how big and how well CFPS systems can work. Also, the combination of microfluidics, new energy supply systems, and linear DNA templates has broadened the field of application of CFPS in bioprocess, targeted therapies and ecotoxicological assessment. However, other problems such as the depletion of resources, accumulation of byproducts and protease activity have ranked higher than these advancements, which calls for updating of the system and control of the process. This review also discusses the mRNA secondary structure elements, translation regulation elements and translation enhancing tools that have been employed to increase the efficiency of translation. The predicted growth of CFPS is predicated on its capacity to expand, incorporate biotechnological advancements and break biochemical barriers, hence making it a critical technology in the next generation of therapeutic as well as diagnostic interventions.