Event Scientific training

Exploring Biofoundries: automation, applications and techniques in engineering biology

A two-day practical and theoretical course covering Biofoundries high throughput applications, DoE (design of experiments) and Engineering Biology pipelines.

Start date: 10 October 2024

End date: 11 October 2024

Time: 10.00 - 17.00

Venue: Earlham Institute (Norwich UK)

Organiser: Carolina Grandellis

Enquiries:

training@earlham.ac.uk

Registration deadline: 15 September 2024

Cost: £225

About the event

This two-day course covers a diverse range of topics from Biofoundries applications including automated workflows using robotic platforms, Design of Experiment (DoE) approaches, Engineering Biology pipelines and includes practical sessions.

The course will consist of a mixture of lectures and practical sessions.

Day one will introduce biofoundries, automation, and engineering biology, exploring different automation platforms and their potential applications.

We will have a lecture introducing Design of Experiments in engineering biology, an Introduction to modular cloning and miniaturisation of reactions; and practical sessions including a Biolector run.

Day two will focus on the setting up and execution of DNA assemblies using the Echo650, mastering protocol preparation with the Protocol Designer tool in the Opentrons and using the Opentrons for bacterial transformation of the DNA assemblies.

There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions throughout as well as dedicated wrap-ups sessions at the end of each day of the workshop to ask any remaining questions.

What will I learn?

An overview of Biofoundries, automation, and Engineering Biology applications for scalability and innovation
Principles and Best practice in Design of Experiments (DoE)
Introduction to Modular Cloning and Golden Gate strategies
Planning and hands-on experience in automated workflows using the platforms Biolector, Echo650 and Opentrons and associated softwares.

Who is this event for?

This course is for scientists with an interest in learning automation, high scale experimentation and synthetic biology approaches. This workshop is open to PhD students, Postdocs, technical staff and those involved in service provision from both an academic and industry setting.

Pre-requisites

Familiar with GLP and basic knowledge of microbiology and/or molecular biology.

With thanks to New England Biolabs and Beckman Coulter for supporting this course.

Organisers and trainers

Carolina Grandellis

Earlham Biofoundry Manager

Eleonora Tassinari

Senior Research Technician

Anna Rogers

Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Nieduszynski Group

Thomas Howard

Reader in Synthetic & Molecular Biology, Newcastle University

Peter Vegh

University of Edinburgh

Emily Angiolini

Head of Advanced Training

Beth Bankes-Jones

Event Manager (Maternity Cover)

Roanne Ephithite

Events Manager

Programme

This is a draft programme and may be subject to change.

Day 1 - 10 October 2024

10.10 - 11.00

Lecture: Introduction to biofoundries, automation and engineering biology

11.00 - 11.20

Coffee and networking introductions

11.20 - 12.20

Lecture: Design of Experiments in biotechnology

12.20 - 13.00

Lunch

13.00 - 13.45

Lecture: Overview of the Biolector, applications and set up

13.45 - 14.30

Practical: Prepare and run the Biolector

14.30 - 14.50

Coffee break

14.50 - 15.35

Lecture: Introduction to modular cloning and Golden Gate cloning

15.35 - 16.20

Introduction to Echo and its applications

16.20 - 17.00

Lecture: Introduction and pipeline for DNA assembly design in silico using Cuba

Day 2 - 11 October 2024

10.00 - 11.30

Hands-on: Setting up an Echo protocol and start reaction.

11.30 - 11.50

Coffee break

11.50 - 12.30

Demonstration: Biolector run Data Analysis

12.30 - 13.10

Lunch

13.10 - 13.50

Downstream applications for DNA assemblies: Miniaturised Cell Free Protein Systems (CFPS) for plants.

13.50 - 14.30

Lecture: Introduction to Opentrons (modules and protocol designer)

14.30 - 14.50

Coffee (during session above)

14.50 - 15.50

Hands-on: Bacterial transformation using Opentrons. Optional: colony picking using Hamilton depending on timings.

15.50 - 17.00

Q&A: Conclusions, participant Q&A and course wrap up

Further information

Registration includes access to all of the training materials, lunch and refreshments over the two days.

If you wish to participate in the Biolector run Data Analysis session, please bring along a laptop with MS Excel.

Booking Terms and Conditions

Please carefully review our standard online event booking terms and conditions prior to registering for this event. Completing an online registration and associated payment process will mean that you are bound by these terms and conditions. Any supplemental terms or changes to these conditions on a per event basis will be included on this page. If you have any queries regarding our events or in relation to your booking, please contact us at training@earlham.ac.uk.

There is no dress code for our events, please dress however you feel comfortable. However, for the laboratory parts of this course, please ensure you are wearing closed-toe shoes, long trousers/skirt which fully cover the legs, and tie back long hair. You will be provided with a lab coat.

You will find information about travelling to Earlham Institute here.

Register today.

Registration deadline: 15 September 2024

Participation: First come, first served