#United States #Boston #DOE #Ginkgo Bioworks #PNNL

Ginkgo Bioworks Secures Contract for Advanced Automated Phenotyping Platform

Ginkgo Bioworks Secures Contract for High-Throughput Phenotyping Platform

Ginkgo Bioworks, a leader in synthetic biology, has made headlines with their recent contract award by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) under the Department of Energy (DOE). The contract, valued at up to $47 million over four years, enables Ginkgo to co-design and build a High-Throughput Automated Phenotyping Platform (HTP-APP). This initiative aims to significantly advance the capabilities of the Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability (M2PC), a crucial element for the future of bioeconomy and national security.

The Need for Enhanced Microbial Data

As global challenges intensify, the demand for reliable microbial data has never been greater. The M2PC focuses on generating insightful data that can help the DOE in their mission to stay at the forefront of biotechnology innovation. The partnership between Ginkgo and PNNL is expected to yield reproducible results that can securely benefit economic, societal, and security interests. Will Serber, General Manager of Ginkgo Automation, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting the potential for improved access to high-quality biological phenotyping at scale.

Innovative Features of the HTP-APP

The platform’s architecture leans heavily on Ginkgo's dynamic Catalyst scheduling software and modular Reconfigurable Automation Carts (RACs). This innovative configuration is designed to automate complete workflows from media preparation and cultivation through to sample prep and multimodal analytics. In a bid to stay flexible and cater to evolving scientific needs, the platform supports BSL-2 operations and features a modular design that can adapt as new challenges arise.

Moreover, the software-enabled integration allows diverse protocols to be interleaved seamlessly—making the platform particularly versatile for different types of research projects.

Facilitating the American Bioeconomy

The collaboration also aligns with the recent AI Action Plan rolled out by President Trump aimed at fostering investment in AI-enabled cloud laboratories. According to CEO Jason Kelly, the HTP-APP is a prime showcase of how such technology can ensure that the American bioeconomy maintains its competitive edge on a global scale, facilitating faster scientific innovation and exploration.

Planned Enhancements and Future Directions

The anticipated outcomes of the HTP-APP project include:
1. Increased Throughput and Reproducibility: The platform is designed to boost the yield of phenotyping campaigns across diverse microbial species and their consortia, ensuring consistent and repeatable results.
2. Advanced Analytical Capabilities: The integration of multimodal analytical measurements is a game-changer, allowing for complex data sets that are highly suited for AI and machine learning applications.
3. Sustainable and Expandable Framework: Ginkgo’s platform promises an indefinitely scalable solution, capable of accommodating new instrumentation and workflows as scientific inquiries progress.

Conclusion

Ginkgo Bioworks is stepping into an exciting partnership that underscores their commitment to pushing the boundaries of biotechnology. By integrating modular automation with cutting-edge software, they are equipping researchers with the necessary tools to generate large datasets attractive for modern AI methodologies. With their progressive approach, Ginkgo is not only contributing to scientific advancements but also fortifying the competitive edge of the United States in the global bioeconomy. For further insights into Ginkgo's capabilities, visit their official website and stay up to date through their active social media channels.