Abstract
Technological advances in engineering biology or synthetic biology have enabled practical applications of genetically engineered microbes (GEMs), including their use as living diagnostics and vehicles for therapeutics. However, technological and non-technological issues associated with biocontainment of GEMs have yet to be addressed before fully realizing their potential. In this short perspective, I briefly discuss the relevant technologies for GEM biocontainment as well as environmental impacts, regulatory issues, and public perception of GEMs.