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Services

The BIOFAB is developing a range of services that will be offered to the academic and industrial users. These offerings include the following:

  • Datasheet Production
  • Computer-Aided Design (bioCAD)
  • Standards Development & Testing
  • Human Practices in Practice
  • Rapid Prototyping

Datasheet (Canton et al, 2008)

Datasheet Production

The BIOFAB will produce datasheets that describe the physical characteristics of key sets of biological parts. These datasheets (like the one at the right produced by Canton et al, 2008) will enable engineers assembling higher-level systems  to use the BIOFAB's library of well-described synthetic biological devices. Ultimately, users will be able to submit parts to the BIOFAB to create datasheets for.

Computer-Aided Design (bioCAD)

Users will be able to use BIOFAB software and tools to more quickly design and construct new biological parts. For example, the BIOFAB is developing the Sequence Refiner as an open-source software application that supports the automated conversion of non-standard natural genetic sequences into simpler standard biological parts. Eventually, users will be able to request that the BIOFAB develop new refinement algorithms.

Expression operating unit

Standards Development & Testing

Once fully operational the BIOFAB will be capable of producing of thousands of professionally engineered, high quality standard biological parts each year. The BIOFAB's open membership architecture and position at the intersection universities, companies, and non-profits will help to encourage the development of measurement standards driven by community needs. Ultimately, users will be able to ask the BIOFAB to test composition schemes and help to develop architectures for controlling genetic expression (see also the C. Dog project).  

Human Practices in Practice

To the extent that it achieves its goals, the BIOFAB will cause changes in economic, social, and legal domains. The Human Practices project within BIOFAB poses and reposes the question of whether and how the BIOFAB can shape those changes for the benefit of our world. Gaymon Bennett (UC Berkeley) is leading this effort, which involves both observing the scientific and organizational practices of the Biofab directors and technicians, as well as contributing that observational analysis as a participating member of the Biofab’s team. The project is producing a history of fab development and infrastructure,  as well as technical processes such as part production and distribution.

Rapid Prototyping

The BIOFAB will provide users with the ability to rapidly prototype their biological designs using the facilities tools and standard parts. This will enable smaller scale laboratories to benefit from BIOFAB's resources and infrastructure in much the same way that MOSIS has enabled integrated circuit prototyping for businesses, government agencies and universities. BIOFAB users will be able to order a vector or a strain.