Design and Evolution of Engineered Biological Systems

Abstract

To date, engineered biological systems have been constructed via a variety of ad hoc approaches. The resulting systems should be thought of as pieces of art. We are interested in exploring how existing forward engineering approaches might be combined with directed evolution to make routine the construction of engineered biological systems. We have specified a procedure for construction of biological systems via screening of subcomponent libraries and rational re-assembly. We have begun development of tools to enable this approach, including a FACS-based screening system to rapidly measure the input/output function of a genetic circuit. Additionally, we have designed a microfluidic system that enables more sophisticated screening and selection functions. Specifically, a microfluidic chemostat integrated with a cell sorter (i.e., a sortostat). This microscope-based system will enable us to evaluate whether or not more complicated screens and selections will be of practical use in service of evolving engineered biological systems.