Automation in synthetic biology using biological foundries
This paper aims to summarize the recent advances in synthetic biology automation and introduce design and construction of current and future biofoundries.
Abstract
Synthetic biology applies engineering principles for the deliberate design, engineering, and de novo creation of artificial biological systems with certain functions. Due to the complexity of living systems and lack of rational design principles, iterative trial-and-error experiments are often necessary, but the dependence on human researchers limits the throughput, efficiency, and consistency of such endeavor. To overcome these limitations, biofoundries are developed as an integrated infrastructure for accelerating the “design-build-test-learn” cycles in synthetic biology research and biotechnology applications. Computer-aided design and robotic automation are applied in the physical manufacturing and prototyping of engineered DNA and genetically reprogrammed organisms. Currently, many biofoundries are being created around the world, and a Global Biofoundry Alliance has been established to promote coordination and collaboration. This paper aims to summarize the recent advances in synthetic biology automation and introduce design and construction of current and future biofoundries.