Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Development of DNA Synthesis Technology

DuPont and OligoCo to Collaborate on Development of DNA Synthesis Technology


New Technology Will Dramatically Increase Capabilities to Utilize Genetic Information to Help Feed the World


DES MOINES, Iowa, and BOTHELL, Wash. (PRWEB) January 30, 2012

DuPont and OligoCo have entered into a collaboration to develop new technology that could enable the intense use of synthetic biology to help feed a growing global population. The efficient production of long, high-quality DNA segments known as oligonucleotides is essential to reliably transcribe genetic information into full length genes, and accelerate the pace of discovery and development of improved crop products.

[caption id="attachment_71" align="aligncenter" width="400"]Development of DNA Synthesis Technology Development of DNA Synthesis Technology[/caption]

Under the agreement, DuPont business Pioneer Hi-Bred will collaborate with OligoCo to develop a next generation oligonucleotide synthesizer. Pioneer will leverage the new technology in its customer-focused agriculture biotech research programs by combining it with its proprietary gene shuffling technology as well as other synthetic biology tools to increase throughput and probability of success in early discovery.

“Harnessing the most advanced tools in plant molecular genetics is essential to developing crops with improved traits,” said John Bedbrook, vice president, DuPont Agricultural Biotechnology. “Our collaboration with OligoCo enables us to further develop and access cutting-edge technology that helps us improve crop performance faster and more efficiently.”

Oligonucleotides are short DNA sequences which are used in a number of applications to transcribe the genetic code. Today’s oligonucleotide synthesizers allow scientists to produce and assemble DNA sequences rapidly, but cost and quality of oligonucleotides produced vary significantly, preventing the broad deployment of synthetic biology techniques. Pioneer’s requirements for high-quality, product-enabling discovery tools and OligoCo’s proprietary technology and commitment to quality, along with the resources from both companies will be brought together to develop the next generation oligonucleotide synthesizer.

“OligoCo is excited to work with Pioneer in the development of the next generation oligonucleotide synthesis technology,” said John Richards, president, OligoCo. “In combination with our other collaborators, our goal is to introduce a novel synthesis platform that provides high throughput, low error rates and low cost, all of which are important enablers for synthetic biology.”

OligoCo, formerly Blue Heron Biotechnology and a leader in gene synthesis, has significant experience in oligonucleotide synthesis.

Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, is the world’s leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries. Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere. Science with Service Delivering Success™.

DuPont (NYSE: DD) has been bringing world-class science and engineering to the global marketplace in the form of innovative products, materials, and services since 1802. The company believes that by collaborating with customers, governments, NGOs, and thought leaders we can help find solutions to such global challenges as providing enough healthy food for people everywhere, decreasing dependence on fossil fuels, and protecting life and the environment. For additional information about DuPont and its commitment to inclusive innovation, please visit http://www.dupont.com.

 

Source : PRWeb - http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/1/prweb9149110.htm

1 comment:

  1. This is an exciting development for the field. The ability to synthesize oligonucleotide sequences efficiently and economically is one of the main limiting factors to develop, test, and apply synthetic genomes. Will follow with interest. Bit more on SynBio: http://wp.me/p1SONx-5t

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