Droplet-Based Automation of Complex Workflows for Synthetic Biology

Large-scale genome engineering represents a broad group of technologies, all of which stand to impact the manufacturing of a range of biological and chemical products. While the power of these methods to increase the production of biologically-driven manufacturing processes has been previously demonstrated, they are often developed and optimized toward a single target, or single methodology. Currently, an automation platform does not exist that enables a broad range of genome engineering methods directed towards a diverse range of biomanufactured products. Advanced Liquid Logic (ALL) has developed digital microfluidics, a highly flexible, software programmable liquid handling technology. ALL has demonstrated that this technology is capable of automating a range of bioassay workflows using relatively straightforward device designs and fabrication methods. During this program leaders in genome engineering will be engaged to help identify requirements; technology gaps and potential solutions to enable greater flexibility and capability will be evaluated; and system performance will be analyzed and benchmarked to other methods. The goal of this proposal is to lay the groundwork for the development, in Phase II, of a highly-flexible and less constrained digital microfluidic device, potentially using more advanced fabrication methods, for synthetic biology applications.