About This Project

The field of synthetic biology has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, enabling researchers to engineer biological systems for diverse applications. However, accessibility is often limited, particularly in resource-constrained settings. This proposal aims to develop an open-source, intellectual property (IP) free golden gate cloning vector that can be widely adopted and adapted by the scientific community, fostering accessibility and innovation in synthetic biology.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Golden gate cloning is a powerful molecular cloning technique that allows for the efficient assembly of multiple DNA fragments in a predefined order. It has become a cornerstone in synthetic biology due to its modularity, scalability, and high efficiency. However, many commercially available golden gate cloning vectors are proprietary and subject to licensing restrictions, limiting their widespread adoption and hindering open innovation.

MoClo (Modular Cloning) is a scheme where certain parts are flanked with overhangs so you can, in the case of level 1, have a one pot cloning of an arbitrary promoter, CDS, terminator, and other localization and control mechanisms

What is the significance of this project?

By developing an IP-free golden gate cloning vector, compatible with MoClo level 1 we aim to democratize access to this essential tool, empowering researchers, educators, and enthusiasts worldwide to explore and contribute to the field of synthetic biology. This open-source approach aligns with the principles of frugal science, providing an accessible and cost-effective solution that can be readily adopted and adapted by a diverse community of practitioners.

What are the goals of the project?

We have three main goals first to create the vector, deposit to addgene, and have it accessible for all:

We will design a modular and versatile golden gate cloning vector with standardized overhangs compatible with the Modular Cloning standard (MoClo) and widely used Type IIS restriction enzymes. After construction we will submit the comprehensive documentation, including vector maps, sequences, and vector to addgene. Afterwards we hope to have community labs, inventors, and independent scientists use the vector in their work by fostering collaborations with community labs, maker spaces, and independent researchers, encouraging them to adopt and utilize the vector in their projects.