DNA printing is a process of artificial construction of segments of genetic material.
Using DNA printing, researchers can generate customized or designed DNA
sequences that can be inserted into cells to alter their function or produce
useful molecules such as proteins. In recent years, DNA printing companies have
benefited from advances in DNA sequencing and DNA construction technologies
that have made the process more automated, scalable, and affordable. This has
allowed the rise of an entire industry focused on providing synthetic genes and
DNA to scientific and industrial clients.
Rise of Commercial DNA printing Companies
The last decade has seen an explosion in the number of companies offering DNA
printing services. Early companies such as GeneArt (acquired by Thermo Fisher
Scientific) and DNA 2.0 (acquired by Eurofins) helped prove the commercial
viability of DNA printing. Since then, numerous other companies have entered
this space, such as GenScript, Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT), Twist
Bioscience, Synbio Technologies, and more. These dedicated DNA printing firms
employ modern automated technologies like oligo synthesis and DNA assembly to
generate customized genes for tens of thousands of clients worldwide. Their
services range from simple gene fragments to complex multi-gene constructs and
even entire synthetic genomes.
Impact on Biological Research
Gene
Synthesis has radically transformed the way biological research is
conducted. It has eliminated many bottlenecks by allowing researchers to
outsource DNA construction rather than rely on traditional cloning methods.
Synthetic genes have enabled entirely new types of research in synthetic
biology, genetic engineering, and systems biology that were previously
infeasible. From rewriting genetic codes to synthesizing artificial life, DNA
printing is playing a key role in pushing the boundaries of our understanding
of biology. It is also fueling innovative applications in healthcare like
developing new vaccines, cell therapies, and molecular diagnostics through
directed evolution techniques.
Enabling Biomanufacturing and Industrial Biotech
Beyond basic research labs, synthetic DNA providers are also finding growth
opportunities with industrial customers developing biological production
platforms. Many biotech startups are now pursuing the large-scale,
commercial-scale manufacture of chemicals, materials, and therapeutics using
engineered microbes and cell lines. DNA printing is a critical part of standing
up these new living factories by providing optimized genetic components.
Industries like agriculture are also starting to adopt DNA printing to develop
traits like drought resistance in major crops. The ability to reliably design
and assemble synthetic DNA at scale is fueling the rise of 21st century
industrial biomanufacturing across multiple sectors from pharmaceuticals to biofuels.
Gene Design as a Service
Another emerging trend in the Gene Synthesis industry is the rise of gene
design services. Given that designing optimal DNA sequences is a specialized
discipline, some companies are increasingly offering expert design help to
supplement their synthesis capabilities. Using computational tools leveraging
principles of gene/genome engineering and synthetic biology, these experts can
optimize things like codon usage, regulatory elements, and multi-part DNA
assembly at the design stage. This allows clients to focus on their
experimental goals while outsourcing the challenging engineering aspects of
gene construction. As genetic designs grow increasingly complex, on-demand gene
design expertise will likely become a crucial value-add for gene suppliers
catering to synthetic biology users.
Scaling Through Automation and Innovation
To keep up with growing demand, DNA printing companies continue optimizing
their production technologies. Fully automated manufacturing processes now
leverage oligo synthesis robots and high-throughput Gibson assembly or Golden
Gate assembly methods to mass produce DNA plasmids, constructs and genomes.
Players like Twist Bioscience have pioneered silicon-based oligo synthesis
methods enabling production at an unprecedented scale of over a million oligos
per day. Advancements like next-generation oligo phosphorylation and
high-fidelity enzymes further improve assembly throughput and fidelity.
Meanwhile, DNA data storage startups provide new customers for DNA construction
as exabyte-scale data archival pushes the limits of synthesis. Overall,
continued scaling through relentless technology innovation will be needed to
sustain this dynamic industry in the coming decade and beyond.
The Future Looks Bright for Gene Synthesis
In summary, DNA printing has emerged as a vibrant industry worth billions of
dollars today thanks to transformative scientific and commercial developments
over the past 20 years. It is fueling breakthrough biological research while
also enabling new biomanufacturing modalities. Rapidly advancing DNA
technologies also suggest there are no limits to the scale and complexity of
synthetic genes possible in the future. As biotechnology increasingly permeates
our economy and society, successful DNA printing companies will play a key
behind-the-scenes role in fueling innovation across many vital sectors from
healthcare to energy. Looking ahead, the future remains very bright for
continued growth in this impactful yet relatively young industry.
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