Biosecurity in the Era of AI and Emerging Technologies

Biosecurity has emerged as a critical consideration in the industrial biotechnology landscape, particularly as advances in artificial intelligence (AI), synthetic biology, digital twins, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced data analytics transform bio-based product manufacturing. These converging technological frontiers are influencing enzymatic, biocatalytic, and microbial processes across sectors such as agri-food, bioenergy, and polymer processing. Despite rapid progress, ongoing challenges remain regarding risk assessment, process integrity, dual-use potential, cyber-physical vulnerabilities, data integrity, and robust integration of digital safeguards within industrial biotech environments. Recent work highlights both promising applications—including real-time monitoring of microbial bioprocesses, machine learning-driven enzyme discovery, and AI-enabled predictive bio-upcycling—and critical gaps in ensuring process security, biocontainment, and system resilience.

This Research Topic seeks to assemble groundbreaking research that examines the integration of AI and emerging digital technologies with industrial biotechnology through the lens of biosecurity. Submissions should provide actionable solutions for identifying, mitigating, and governing biosecurity risks, demonstrate the use of digital platforms to enhance process transparency and control, or introduce pioneering approaches to safeguard bioprocesses from cyber and biological threats. Original research is encouraged to address questions regarding secure AI-driven enzyme engineering, robust biosafety frameworks in automated industrial settings, resilient cyber-physical infrastructures for biomanufacturing, and the broader implications for environmental and human health protection.

To further illuminate the vital intersection of biosecurity, biotechnology, and digital innovation, we invite contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o Digital twins and AI-driven monitoring for real-time biosecurity in large-scale bioprocesses.
o Cyber-biosecurity risk assessments in agri-food, bioenergy, or polymer production systems.
o Synthetic biology and machine learning strategies for safe and responsible novel biocatalyst development.
o Predictive analytics for early detection and mitigation of bioprocess failures or malicious interventions.
o Secure data management and transmission protocols in automated biomanufacturing facilities.
o Socio-ethical, regulatory, and equity considerations in digital biosecurity applications and governance.
o Case studies on cyber-physical incidents and response frameworks in industrial biotechnology.

We welcome Original Research articles, Reviews, Perspectives, Case Studies, and Technology Reports that contribute interdisciplinary insights to this vital Research Topic.

By focusing on the integration of biosecurity principles and digital technologies, this collection aims to chart novel pathways for safeguarding the sustainable, responsible, and equitable advancement of industrial biotechnology in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Lisa McDonald is the co-founder and partner of PandemicTech, as well as the co-founder and Managing Director of Endura Ventures. She is also the President and Cofounder of Global Health Security Fund.
Dr. Saskia Popescu is the CEO of Global Health Security Network, a policy researcher at RAND, and a consultant for Helena.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Biosecurity, AI, Industrial Biotechnology, Cyber-physical Security, Synthetic Biology, Digital Twins

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.