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Automated Robotic Liquid Handling Assembly of Modular DNA Devices
Published on: December 1, 2017
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Expanding the limits towards 'one-pot' DNA assembly and transformation on a rapid-prototype microfluidic device
James M Perry1,2, Guy Soffer2,3, Raja Jain1,2
1Department of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, Québec, H4B 1R6, Canada. steve.shih@concordia.ca.
Lab on a Chip
|August 9, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a microfluidic platform for automated DNA assembly and bacterial transformation, enabling efficient construction of complex biological systems. The accessible device streamlines synthetic biology workflows, reducing costs and manual labor.
Area of Science:
- Synthetic Biology
- Bioengineering
- Microfluidics
Background:
- DNA assembly and transformation are critical but challenging steps in synthetic biology.
- Existing automation solutions (biofoundries) are often costly and large-scale.
- There is a need for accessible, low-cost, and compact automation for complex biological engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a microfluidic platform for automated "one-pot" Golden Gate DNA assembly and bacterial transformation.
- To address the limitations of current automation equipment in terms of cost, footprint, and consolidation of processes.
- To improve the accessibility and efficiency of synthetic biology workflows.
Main Methods:
- Development of a digital microfluidic platform with novel electrode geometry and modular design.
- Implementation of an impedance-based adaptive closed-loop water replenishment system to control droplet evaporation.
- Integration of a closed-loop temperature control system for optimized heat shock transformation.
- Validation using assembly and transformation of large, complex plasmids for a biosynthetic pathway.
Main Results:
- The developed microfluidic platform successfully performs "one-pot" Golden Gate DNA assembly of large plasmids.
- The system demonstrated efficient transformation of *E. coli* with precise temperature control.
- Performance in assembling and transforming complex plasmids was comparable to standard laboratory techniques.
- The device features improved accessibility due to its simple fabrication and modular design.
Conclusions:
- The digital microfluidic platform offers an accessible and automated solution for complex DNA assembly and transformation.
- This technology has the potential to accelerate synthetic biology by reducing reagent consumption and manual labor.
- The developed methods pave the way for a new generation of cost-effective and compact automation platforms.
