Based at Imperial College, the London DNA Foundry is a core facility at SynbiCITE, and has recently launched a new website. The Foundry provides a suite of state-of-the-art robotic equipment enabling automated end-to-end design, construction and validation of large gene constructs. It is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, accelerating developments in engineering biology technologies and allowing SynbiCITE’s partners to prototype new biologically-based chemicals, drugs and materials.

The 4 key services offered by the London DNA Foundry are:

• Design: Design of DNA components and pathway assemblies to create specific bio-functional performance parameters
• Build: Automated DNA assembly platform for the rapid, scalable construction and verification of large DNA assemblies and genomes
• Test: Analysis and characterisation across a range of synthetic biology products and activities
• Learn: Completing the engineering design cycle by allowing statistical interpretation, modelling, pattern matching and prediction of the acquired data

The London DNA Foundry aims to help academic partners translate their ideas in engineering biology, to build models and scale their discoveries. It collaborates with academic partners from around the world who want to undertake molecular design experiments at the highest level of scientific rigour and complexity. It provides academic partners with access to state-of-the-art automation and analytical equipment, and access to expert personnel to help deliver the capabilities of the Foundry's platforms.

Training for visiting scientists and researchers on specific pieces of equipment or procedures within the Foundry is also available. Clients receive constant updates on the progress of their projects, with on-line access to Foundry LIMS, and data & visual analytics packages.

For further information please visit the Foundry website.