DNA synthesis technologies to close the gene writing gap.
Alex HooseRichard VellacottMarko StorchPaul S FreemontMaxim G RyadnovPublished in: Nature reviews. Chemistry (2023)
Synthetic DNA is of increasing demand across many sectors of research and commercial activities. Engineering biology, therapy, data storage and nanotechnology are set for rapid developments if DNA can be provided at scale and low cost. Stimulated by successes in next generation sequencing and gene editing technologies, DNA synthesis is already a burgeoning industry. However, the synthesis of >200 bp sequences remains unaffordable. To overcome these limitations and start writing DNA as effectively as it is read, alternative technologies have been developed including molecular assembly and cloning methods, template-independent enzymatic synthesis, microarray and rolling circle amplification techniques. Here, we review the progress in developing and commercializing these technologies, which are exemplified by innovations from leading companies. We discuss pros and cons of each technology, the need for oversight and regulatory policies for DNA synthesis as a whole and give an overview of DNA synthesis business models.
Keyphrases
- circulating tumor
- single molecule
- cell free
- nucleic acid
- circulating tumor cells
- low cost
- public health
- stem cells
- nitric oxide
- copy number
- mesenchymal stem cells
- hydrogen peroxide
- big data
- transcription factor
- high resolution
- replacement therapy
- quantum dots
- tandem mass spectrometry
- loop mediated isothermal amplification