Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences Journal of Applied Biotechnology Reports 2322-1186 13 2 2026 06 30 Dual Use of Emerging Biotechnologies: Governance and Biosecurity Challenges in the New Era 2024 2034 247336 10.30491/jabr.2025.533238.1889 EN Mohammad Ebrahim Minaei Faculty of Basic Science, Imam Hossein Comprehension University, Tehran, Iran 0000-0001-5087-891X Journal Article 2025 07 08 <span class="fontstyle2">Emerging biotechnologies hold great promise but also pose risks from accidental or deliberate misuse. Assessing these threats requires a systematic approach to examine potential dangers and plan for future developments. Effective biosecurity policies demand an understanding of current biotechnological capabilities and anticipation of their evolution. </span><span class="fontstyle2">This qualitative thematic review analyzes biosecurity threats from emerging biotechnologies reported in the scientific literature between 2014-2024. We conducted comprehensive literature searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using terms related to core biotechnologies (e.g., "synthetic biology," "gene editing") and threat concepts (e.g., "biosecurity," "dual-use"). Relevant publications were analyzed to identify and synthesize recurring themes and governance challenges. </span><span class="fontstyle2">The analysis identified dual-use potential as the most prominent biosecurity concern associated with emerging biotechnologies. The review synthesizes the literature to critically evaluate key threats, including biological weapons, environmental impacts, and governance challenges. It further discusses how national and global biosecurity policies can be adapted to maximize the benefits of these technologies while minimizing risks. </span><span class="fontstyle2">Establishing governance policies to bridge the gap between the security of previous-generation biotechnology and the scientific and technological capabilities of the next decade’s emerging biotechnologies, as well as to maximize the benefits of deploying and minimize the potential for dual use of emerging biotechnologies, is essential to address the challenges and concerns associated with emerging biotechnologies</span> https://www.biotechrep.ir/article_247336_9566ac69b9374f6cdfc67b1628af8699.pdf