About
Aims
The Journal of Synthetic Biology and Molecular Engineering (JSBME) is an international, peer-reviewed open-access journal dedicated to bridging the gap between fundamental molecular research and applied engineering principles. Our primary aim is to establish a rigorous venue for the dissemination of groundbreaking discoveries that utilize synthetic biology to solve global challenges in human health, environmental sustainability, and industrial manufacturing. By fostering a multidisciplinary environment, JSBME seeks to catalyze the development of standardized biological parts and modular systems that can be reliably integrated into living organisms. We prioritize work that demonstrates high levels of innovation, scalability, and theoretical depth, moving the field beyond descriptive case studies toward a more predictive and quantitative framework of biological design. Furthermore, the journal aims to support the open-access movement, ensuring that critical advancements in genetic engineering and molecular architecture are accessible to the global scientific community without economic barriers, facilitating rapid innovation and collaboration across international borders.Scope
JSBME publishes high-quality research covering the entire spectrum of synthetic biology, from theoretical modeling to experimental validation. We are particularly interested in papers that address the following core areas:
• Genetic Circuit Design and Optimization: Developing complex logical operations within living cells using synthetic genetic components.
• Metabolic Engineering: Re-engineering biosynthetic pathways to produce high-value chemicals, biofuels, and pharmaceuticals.
• Cell-Free Protein Synthesis: Investigating in vitro systems for the rapid prototyping of genetic parts and specialized protein production.
• Genome Editing and Engineering: Novel applications of CRISPR-based tools and large-scale chromosomal rearrangements to alter organismal phenotypes.
• Bio-foundry Automation and High-Throughput Screening: Leveraging robotics and machine learning to accelerate the design-build-test-learn cycle.
• Directed Evolution and Protein Engineering: Strategies for evolving enzymes and proteins with novel or enhanced functionalities for industrial use.
• Synthetic Genomics: The de novo construction and characterization of minimal genomes and synthetic chromosomes.
• Standardization and Metrology: Defining quantitative standards for biological parts and developing robust measurement techniques for synthetic systems.
Article Types
We accept a variety of submission formats to accommodate the diverse needs of the synthetic biology community:
• Original Research Articles: Comprehensive studies presenting significant experimental or theoretical advances.
• Review Papers: Critical syntheses of current literature in emerging or established subfields.
• Methodology Papers: Detailed descriptions of new techniques, tools, or software for biological engineering.
• Short Communications: Rapid publication of preliminary findings or high-impact narrow-focus studies.
• Perspectives and Commentaries: Expert opinions on future directions, ethical considerations, or policy frameworks.
• Data Reports: Peer-reviewed descriptions of significant datasets or bio-part libraries.
Audience
The journal serves a global community of researchers and practitioners, including molecular biologists, biotechnologists, systems engineers, computational scientists, and industrial bio-manufacturers. Additionally, JSBME is a vital resource for policy makers, bioethicists, and educators involved in the governance and teaching of emerging biotechnologies.