Dual Use of Emerging Biotechnologies: Governance and Biosecurity Challenges in the New Era

Minaei, Mohammad Ebrahim

doi:10.30491/jabr.2025.533238.1889

Dual Use of Emerging Biotechnologies: Governance and Biosecurity Challenges in the New Era

Document Type : Thematic Review

Author

Mohammad Ebrahim Minaei

Faculty of Basic Science, Imam Hossein Comprehension University, Tehran, Iran

10.30491/jabr.2025.533238.1889

Abstract

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. 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. 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. 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

Keywords

Biosecurity

Emerging Biotechnologies

Dual Use

Governance

Biological Agents