Options for Synthetic DNA Order Screening, Revisited

• DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00319-17
• Publication Date: 2017-08-24T00:30:28Z
• Authors: Diane DiEuliis; Sarah R. Carter; Gigi Kwik Gronvall
• Keywords: Synthetic Biology

Gene synthesis providers affiliated with the International Synthesis Consortium (IGSC) voluntarily screen double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) orders over 200 bp to check for matches regulated pathogens and customers. Questions have been raised, however, about continuing feasibility effectiveness of screening. There are technical challenges (e.g., oligonucleotides tracts less than not screened) corporate costs screening high, but other dropping, so is an increasing portion operating costs). In this article, we describe tangible actions that should be taken (i) preserve order as a security tool (ii) develop additional mechanisms increase safety technologies. Screening perfect solution challenges, believe it still valuable addition security, can remain effective some time.