From the beginning we were fascinated by the endless possibilities synthetic
biology
grants.
Anything that you can imagine can be done, with the right amount of:
research, knowledge, time, dedication and creativity.
This made us look for ways to expand synthetic biology’s outreach while
maintaining
high
ethical, technical and safety standards. The foundational advance track was
a
clear
path ahead
to fulfill our
goal.
Once settled in this track we started researching and chose a problem that we
believe is
so ingrained
within the standard development process of genetic circuits that it has been
overlooked.
Even further,
the possible applications that a different way of thinking, designing, constructing
and
developing
genetic circuits might enable are difficult to come by to say the least. It was
evident
that
a tool, a framework, a foundation was needed.
Hopefully the tools we develop in this project, and the project itself become the
foundation of many
other projects to come. It’s this hope that inspires to do the best work we can
think
of, and maybe
more.
Objective
Objective
To pursue an incipient focus on genetic circuit development, based on sequential
logic,
that can enable
a whole new set of genetic functions and expand the possible applications for
engineered
organisms,
making way for the scientists of tomorrow to continue in this line of research.
problem
Currently genetic circuits being developed are biased to their core by combinatorial
logic meaning that
most functions are achieved by specific input - output relationships which limits
functionality, circuit
architecture and possible applications since logic gates are rigid, complex when
combined and
unresponsive to a key element:
TIME
Solution
Solution
We propose a framework based on sequential logic. Which is much more similar to
nature’s, responsive to
time and state, and whose potential has not yet been fully exploited, serving as
tool for new
implementations and applications.
Intended
Purpose
We aim to expand synthetic biology’s frontiers, leading the way for many others to
come.
The path we are
making is embedded on deep-rooted values: Integrity, responsibility, balance,
accountability,
commitment, perseverance and innovation. These values have permeated our work, which
is
intended to be
an advance towards scientific democratization and positive social impact.
