Electric-Field Manipulation of a Compartmentalized Cell-Free Gene Expression Reaction

• DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.8b00160
• Publication Date: 2018-07-23T22:26:03Z
• Authors: Yuval Efrat; Alexandra M. Tayar; Shirley S. Daube; Michael Levy; Roy H. Bar-Ziv
• Keywords: Biomolecule; Synthetic Biology; Compartment (ship)

Direct electric-field manipulation of gene expression reactions would simplify the design biochemical networks by replacing complex biomolecular interactions with push-button operations. Here, we applied a localized electric field gradient at megahertz frequency to manipulate cell-free gene-expression reaction in DNA compartment on chip. We broke spatial symmetry homogeneous creating trap for macromolecules region maximal intensity 50 μm from immobilized DNA. Free regulation, demonstrated protein synthesis oscillations on/off switching field. In response field, ribosomes, RNA polymerases, and nascent proteins accumulated trap, were then depleted where occurred. The resulting reduction rate recovered back steady-state when was off. combination compartmentalized creates simple, label-free approach controlling biomolecules space time, opening possibilities hybrid biological systems bioelectronic interface based minimal parts design.