👉 Infectious engineering refers to the deliberate design and deployment of biological systems or agents with the intent to spread, manipulate, or exploit living organisms for various purposes, often with malicious or disruptive effects. This concept leverages principles from synthetic biology, biotechnology, and microbiology to create engineered pathogens, vectors, or biological tools that can propagate rapidly within ecosystems or human populations. For example, engineered viruses might be designed to target specific hosts, while genetically modified bacteria could be used for bioremediation or surveillance. The "infectious" aspect lies in their ability to infect, replicate, and potentially cause harm, often through mechanisms like horizontal gene transfer or immune evasion. While some applications aim to combat diseases (e.g., gene drives for malaria control), the term also highlights risks such as accidental release of engineered organisms or misuse for bioterrorism, underscoring the need for strict oversight and ethical guidelines to balance innovation with safety.
