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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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)