It is theoretically possible to create a creature with a metabolite that can be used for military purposes through genetic engineering technology, but its realization faces multiple technical, ethical, and legal challenges. The following is a point-by-point analysis： --- ### **1. Technical feasibility** - **Gene editing capabilities**: Modern technologies (such as CRISPR) have been able to accurately modify microbial genes and design specific metabolic pathways. For example, there have been studies on the use of engineering bacteria to produce medicines, biofuels, or industrial enzymes. -**Target product type**： -**Toxins or biological weapons**: Some bacteria naturally produce toxins (such as botulinum toxin), which can theoretically increase production or stability through genetic modification. -**Fuel or materials**: Military equipment may require special fuels or degradable materials (such as plastics), and engineering organisms can be designed to produce or decompose such substances. -**Drugs or vaccines**: Rapid production of drugs or vaccines required for battlefield first aid. -**Technical difficulties**： -**Complexity of metabolic pathways**: Highly toxic products may require multi-step synthesis, and the host organism may have difficulty tolerating its own products. -**Environmental stability and control**: It is necessary to ensure that the organism activates metabolism under specific conditions and is equipped with a “suicide switch” to prevent spread. --- ### **2. Military application scenarios** -**Offensive weapons**: For example, microorganisms that produce neurotoxins are released, but are strictly prohibited by the Biological Weapons Convention. -**Logistics support**： -**Biofuel production**: Produce fuel on-site on the battlefield to reduce supply dependence. -**Environmental restoration**: Degradation of chemical weapon residues or pollutants. -**Protection and medical care**: Rapid production of antibiotics, anti-radiation drugs or vaccines. --- ### **3. Ethical and legal restrictions** -**"Biological Weapons Convention"**: The international treaty that entered into force in 1975 expressly prohibits the development of biological weapons, and States parties need to destroy relevant facilities. -**Dual-purpose dilemma**: Even if research claims to be used for medical or environmental protection, technology may be transferred to the military, causing ethical disputes. -**Biosafety risks**: Accidental leakage of engineering organisms may lead to ecological disasters or public health crises. --- ### **4. Practical challenges** -**Defense and detection**: The enemy may develop targeted detection and neutralization methods to reduce military effectiveness. -**Controllability**: It is necessary to ensure that the organism is only activated at a specific time and place, and the technical reliability has not been fully resolved. - **Host biological restrictions**: Highly toxic products may kill the host and need to be produced in stages or using in vitro synthesis systems. --- ### **5. Existing cases and research directions** -**Non-military applications**: Engineering yeast produces artemisinin (antimalarial drug) and bacteria synthesizes spider silk protein. -**DARPA Project**: The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has explored the concept of a “biological factory” for battlefield production of materials or drugs, but emphasizes compliance. --- ###**Conclusion** -**Theoretically possible, but reality is limited**: Technical obstacles can be gradually overcome, but international legal and ethical constraints are the main obstacles. -**Potential path**: Military applications are more likely to focus on logistics support (such as fuel, material production) or medical fields, rather than direct weaponization. -**Future trends**: The development of synthetic biology needs to be accompanied by strict biosafety protocols and global regulation to prevent technology abuse. If it is further promoted, it is necessary to strengthen international cooperation and legal framework while technological innovation, and balance military needs with human security.