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Synthetic biology applies engineering principles to design novel DNA sequences based on natural templates. Researchers use these sequences to uncover how DNA encodes function and then leverage that knowledge to engineer new proteins for diagnostic, therapeutic and bioprocessing applications. Bringing these designs to life requires high-throughput screening of many candidate sequences; however, progress is currently limited by DNA synthesis throughput and the costs associated with scaling up production. 

To address these limitations in gene synthesis, Dr. Carl de Boer, a researcher at UBC, proposes advancing a technology called DropSynth. This method helps produce genes by assembling small gene pieces in tiny beads, each with a unique barcode. Currently, this technique can assemble ~1536 gene fragments at once. However, this project aims to improve the bead synthesis workflow and make it 100 times more efficient. The goal is to enable faster, scalable, and cost-effective gene synthesis. 

The technology developed in this project will make synthesis of large scale gene libraries more widespread rather than being a specialized task limited in scale, which is essential for many biotechnological advances. As a result, this approach will help accelerate discoveries and innovations in biotechnology.