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Software product line engineering is a best practice for managing reuse in families of software systems. In this work, we explore the use of product line engineering in the emerging programming domain of synthetic biology. In synthetic biology, living organisms are programmed to perform new functions or improve existing functions. These programs are designed and constructed using small building blocks made out of DNA. We conjecture that there are families of products that consist of common and variable DNA parts, and we can leverage product line engineering to help synthetic biologists build, evolve, and reuse these programs. As a first step towards this goal, we perform a domain engineering case study that leverages an open-source repository of more than 45,000 reusable DNA parts. We are able to identify features and their related artifacts, all of which can be composed to make different programs. We demonstrate that we can successfully build feature models representing families for two commonly engineered functions. We then analyze an existing synthetic biology case study and demonstrate how product line engineering can be beneficial in this domain.
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OpenCell: A low-cost, open-source, 3-in-1 device for DNA extraction
High-cost DNA extraction procedures pose significant challenges for budget-constrained laboratories. To address this, we introduce OpenCell, an economical, open-source, 3-in-1 laboratory device that combines the functionalities of a bead homogenizer, a microcentrifuge, and a vortex mixer. OpenCell utilizes modular attachments that magnetically connect to a central rotating brushless motor. This motor couples to an epicyclic gearing mechanism, enabling efficient bead homogenization, vortex mixing, and centrifugation within one compact unit. OpenCell’s design incorporates multiple redundant safety features, ensuring both the device’s and operator’s safety. Additional features such as RPM measurement, programmable timers, battery operation, and optional speed control make OpenCell a reliable and reproducible laboratory instrument. In our study, OpenCell successfully isolated DNA fromSpinacia oleracea(spinach), with an average yield of 2.3 μg and an A260/A280 ratio of 1.77, demonstrating its effectiveness for downstream applications such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification. With its compact size (20 cm x 28 cm x 6.7 cm) and lightweight design (0.8 kg), comparable to the size and weight of a laptop, OpenCell is portable, making it an attractive component of a ‘lab-in-a-backpack’ for resource-constrained environments in low-and-middle-income countries and synthetic biology in remote field stations. Leveraging the accessibility of 3D printing and off-the-shelf components, OpenCell can be manufactured and assembled at a low unit cost of less than $50, providing an affordable alternative to expensive laboratory equipment costing over $4000. OpenCell aims to overcome the barriers to entry in synthetic biology research and contribute to the growing collection of frugal and open hardware.
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- PAR ID:
- 10567263
- Editor(s):
- Winter, Sven
- Publisher / Repository:
- plos one
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- PLOS ONE
- Volume:
- 19
- Issue:
- 5
- ISSN:
- 1932-6203
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- e0298857
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298857
