Manipulation of transcription and translation |
Easy to control in an open environment |
Hard because of cell membrane as the barrier |
Post-translational modification |
Hard |
Easy |
Self-replication |
Hard |
Easy |
DNA template |
Plasmids or PCR products |
Plasmids or genomes |
Synthesis of membrane proteins and complex proteins |
Easy synthesis by adding surfactants or adjusting the system environment |
Hard synthesis due to limited intracellular environment |
Incorporation of unnatural amino acids into proteins |
Easy |
Hard |
Ability to only produce the desired products |
Easy achievement by focusing on the target metabolic pathways |
Hard achievement due to complicated cellular metabolism |
Toxic tolerance |
High |
Low |
Integration with materials |
Easy |
Hard |
Design-build-test-learn cycle |
Two days |
Two weeks |
Biomanufacturing |
High production rate |
Modest production rate |
High product yield |
Modest product yield |
Easy purification process without cell lysis |
Cell lysis prior to product purification |
Cost |
Modest to high |
Low to modest |