Dynamic Interaction: Synthetic Biology and Cell-Free Biosensors Drive Each Other Forward

The convergence of synthetic biology and biosensor technology is driving a scientific and technological revolution in biotechnology. Characterized by its interdisciplinary nature, synthetic biology applies engineering principles to design and construct novel biological components and systems, significantly advancing biosensor development. As a key interface between the digital and biomolecular worlds within synthetic biology, cell-free biosensors (CFBs) leverage core advantages─including rapid prototyping, high controllability, excellent biosafety, and tolerance to potentially toxic substances─to demonstrate increasingly significant strategic value and broad application potential in numerous frontier fields. These fields encompass the precise design of biological circuits, intelligent optimization of metabolic pathways, and efficient in vitro diagnostics. CFBs overcomes limitations inherent in traditional cell-based sensors, offering a powerful platform for instant, on-demand biomolecular detection. This review aims to explore the innovative potential unlocked by the integration of synthetic biology and biosensors and to systematically summarize the latest research progress and technological breakthroughs in the CFB field.