Next-Generation Synthetic Genes

Purpose and goal:

We will evaluate a disruptive new technology for generating a synthetic gene. Synthetic genes are the basic building blocks of synthetic biology, as they allow engineers to transfer genes from nature to cell factories. Expected results and effects: We will

(1) demonstrate that our novel newly developed technologies can identify synthetic genes that are guaranteed to work in E. coli and other chassis used in synthetic biology. (2) delivery a commercially viable process for identifying these genes.

We believe that the project can transform the global synthetic gene market, as users will rather have synthetic genes that are guaranteed to work, as opposed to those that are known to have high failure rates. Approach and implementation:

We will construct a synonymous codon library in vitro, then select a “next-generation synthetic gene” by testing each sequence in the library in vivo. The testing will use a translational coupling device, and a biosensor. Cell fluorescence will be analysed by FACs-seq so that each synonymous codon variant can be assessed.