Building hybrid devices powered by cell-free synthetic biology

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Every day, we are surrounded by a world of molecular interactions that mediate our safety, well-being and the integrity of our environment. Diagnostics and portable sensors can be used to detect these otherwise invisible processes. While current sensor technologies exist, their development is burdened by slow rates and high cost. These limitations mean that outside of laboratory settings, many sensing needs are not being met. Synthetic biology, with its rational approach to design, offers an incredible potential to meet these needs and our research program is the first to solve key challenges in delivering these tools. Synthetic biology involves the design and construction of devices based on biological parts. In our work, genes are engineered to serve as bio-based sensors that can detect agents such as heavy metals, pesticides and disease. These gene circuits usually operate inside cells, such as bacteria, however this limits their use to the laboratory because of concerns over biosafety. Our research program created the first way to deploy these gene-based tools in a safe and cell-free way. We have done this by developing sterile paper-based materials that can stand in place for the cell, and in doing so we have created a new portable sensor technology. By bringing the engineering principles of synthetic biology to bear, we are creating innovative cell-free biotechnologies that significantly lower the cost and technical barriers of sensor development. This will allow sensors to be integrated into applications in industry, national security, agriculture and at home that have yet to be served. In our current work we are extending our sensor technology to make it more practical and cost-effective, and developing tools to accelerate research. Through these efforts, our research program is designed to improve the quality of life for Canadians, train the next generation of synthetic biologists and create opportunities to grow the biotechnology sector in Canada.