High-throughput automation for engineering novel biosensors, enzymes, and genetic circuits
Abstract
High-throughput automation for engineering novel biosensors, enzymes, and genetic circuitsSynthetic biology operates under a ~design-build-test~ paradigm to iteratively improve the desired cellular product. Current technology enables high-throughput design and building of genetic parts using computational techniques, DNA synthesis technologies, and efficient DNA editing tools.However, there is a significant deficit in the rates of screening and characterization of the massive libraries of genetic parts generated. We have proposed the acquisition of a Tecan Freedom EVO liquid handler with accompanying instruments that provides high-throughput testing functionality by automating liquid transfer, cell culturing, and measurements. This automation technology will significantly improve the rate of construct testing, maximizing our ability to discover and optimize novel biosensors, enzymes, genetic circuits, and biomaterials. This equipment can be programmed to operate multiple experiments in parallel, enhancing multi-user productivity. In addition, the ability of the Tecan EVO to operate with washable, reusable tips will significantly reduce the amount of plastic wastes generated. Furthermore, high-precision, programmed automation will improve the reproducibility of results, allowing the academic community to easily and reliably expand on our research.This system of instruments will enhance DoD-relevant research capabilities of multiple labs at Washington University. This system will support the PI~s ONR project, namely, the discovery and development of novel biosensors, enzymes, and genetic circuits to predictably detect, synthesize, and degrade neurotransmitters (NTs). It has become evident that gut microbiota can affect gut-brain communication, and warfighters face frequent stressors that can cause chronic NT imbalances that are often correlated with a number of long-term problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and increased susceptibility to infections.We aim to integrate newly developed, genetic ~parts~ and ~devices~ into probiotics, enabling these microbes to be programmed to keep NT concentrations at the human-defined levels. These autonomous probiotics will be eventually tested using model mice, where these engineered bacteria counteract NT imbalances and thus maintain the well-being of the model mice. Additionally, this system of instruments will be used by other labs throughout our institution for diverse DoD-relevant projects, involving biomaterials, on-site nano-diagnostics, rust resistance, antibiotic-resistant infections, and microbial fuel cells. This equipment will also be used to train students and researchers in the operation of automated equipment and the analysis of large datasets from automated experiments, thus better preparing them for future careers in biotechnology where automation becomes increasingly important.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 23, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912357
Entities
People
- Tae Seok
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Washington University in St. Louis