Keywords

in vitro transcription/translation, cell-free protein synthesis, lyophilization, cell-extract preparation, cell-free energy system, GFP reporter protein

Abstract

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is a versatile tool for rapid recombinant protein production and engineering. One drawback of cell-free technology is the necessity to store the major components—cell extracts and energy systems—below freezing in bulky aqueous solutions. Here we describe simple methods for lyophilizing extracts and preparing powdered energy systems for CFPS. These techniques allow for high-density storage of cell-free systems that are more robust against temperature and bacterial degradation. Our methods have the potential to decrease storage expenses, allow for longer shelf-life of cell extracts at room temperature, and enable durable portable protein production technologies.

Original Publication Citation

Smith, M. T., Berkheimer, S. D., Werner, C. J., & Bundy, B. C. (2014). Lyophilized Escherichia Coli-Based Cell-Free Systems for Robust, High-Density, Long-Term Storage. BioTechniques, 56(4), 186–193. https://doi.org/10.2144/000114158

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2018-04-03

Publisher

BioTechniques

Language

English

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering

Department

Chemical Engineering

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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