Fast biofoundries: coping with the challenges of biomanufacturing

Area of Science:

• Engineering Biology
• Biomanufacturing
• Automation and Robotics

Background:

• Biofoundries are automated facilities crucial for the design-build-test-learn cycle in synthetic biology and biomanufacturing.
• Developing biofoundry platforms is challenging due to high costs and time investment.
• An organic growth strategy with a long-term vision for automation and interoperability is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey existing technological solutions for biofoundries, detailing their pros and cons.
• To outline pathways for establishing early-phase biofoundry platforms.
• To propose strategies for ensuring the long-term sustainability of biofoundries.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and technological assessment of biofoundry components.
• Analysis of process planning, simulation, and optimization techniques.
• Exploration of organic development and interoperability strategies.

Main Results:

• Identification of key technologies and their limitations in current biofoundries.
• Framework for phased biofoundry development, from basic to advanced.
• Strategies for bottleneck identification and resolution through simulation and planning.

Conclusions:

• Strategic planning and organic growth are vital for cost-effective biofoundry development.
• Interoperability and automation are key to achieving efficiency and sustainability.
• This work provides a roadmap for creating and sustaining functional biofoundry platforms.