In general, synthetic parts can be either derived from naturally occurring modules that are implemented in a heterologous host system; or they constitute de novo created synthetic devices that are potentially applicable to universal host systems for modulating gene expression or metabolic networks. Either way, for precise and dynamic computation of biological systems particular basic design requirements need to be framed: the scalability of a genetic network relies on the orthogonality of the designed parts, to prevent cross-talks both between noncognate parts and with the native cellular system, e.g., through off-target effects of a given regulator. Ideally, orthogonality can be readily maintained over a broad range of host systems to enable design universality in a predictable and versatile plug-and-play fashion.