SGI-DNA Launches Custom Cloning Module for BioXp™ 3200 System to Advance Protein and Antibody Engineering Capabilities

LA JOLLA, Calif., Dec. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SGI-DNA Inc., a Synthetic Genomics Inc. company, announces the launch of the Custom Cloning Module for its BioXp™ 3200 System, equipping researchers with the ability to synthesize and clone DNA directly into their vector of choice in an overnight run. The Custom Cloning Module is launching at the Antibody Engineering & Therapeutics conference taking place this week in San Diego, California.

The benchtop BioXp™ System, the world's first DNA printer, is a genomic workstation that generates high-quality DNA. With the introduction of the Custom Cloning Module, the BioXp™ System now has the additional capability to assemble and simultaneously deliver up to 32 DNA clones into any vector from custom DNA sequences submitted electronically. The launch of this module allows researchers to add vectors for automated Gibson Assembly® cloning from de novo generated DNA fragments. This evolution eliminates the need for subcloning and further automates and shortens molecular biology work flows without relying on a service company.

"Cloning directly into users' vectors of choice eliminates subcloning and paves the way to streamline genomic applications such as protein and antibody engineering," said Daniel Gibson, Ph.D., Vice President of DNA Technology at Synthetic Genomics. "It is our hope that this new automated application will further release scientists from time‑intensive and tedious DNA cloning methods, and empower them to focus on discovery and analytics. We believe this will place them at the forefront of genomics innovation with the ability to meet demand for large-scale, automated DNA synthesis and cloning projects for both the academic and commercial life science communities."

The Custom Cloning Module is expected to have distinct benefits for therapeutic antibody developers, who rely upon iterative improvement of the molecules' affinity, specificity, stability, solubility, and immunogenicity. With the ability to utilize any vector in the DNA cloning process, including the researchers' own vectors, this process can be optimized to allow much more freedom in the creation of antibodies with higher affinity for their target.

For more information on the Assembly and Cloning Module of the BioXp™ 3200 System, visit www.sgidna.com/bioxp.

All products are for research use only and are not intended for diagnostic uses. 

The Gibson Assembly® method is also available under commercial license. For more information, contact us at [email protected]

About the Gibson Assembly^® Method

The Gibson Assembly^® method was developed in 2009 by Dan Gibson, Ph.D., and his colleagues at the J. Craig Venter Institute during the team's quest to construct the first synthetic cell. Since its introduction, the Gibson Assembly^® method has become a mainstay in many synthetic biology laboratories and has attracted interest from both the academic and commercial life sciences communities due to its ease-of-use, robustness, and flexibility.

About SGI-DNA

SGI-DNA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Synthetic Genomics, Inc. (SGI), is responsible for all commercial aspects of SGI's synthetic DNA business and focuses on strategic business relationships with both academic and commercial entities. Building on the scientific advancements and breakthroughs from leading scientists such as J. Craig Venter, Hamilton Smith, Clyde Hutchison, Dan Gibson and their teams, SGI-DNA utilizes unique and proprietary DNA technologies to produce complex synthetic genes and reagents. SGI-DNA also offers a comprehensive suite of genomic services, including whole genome sequencing, library design, bioinformatics, cell engineering, and plasmid DNA services.

SOURCE SGI-DNA