We make interoperable tools for assembly, amplification, and expression—that plug into diverse workflows, from academic labs to industrial platforms.
Powered by synthetic biology and designed for reliability, our products help teams move concepts into results, quickly.
In partnership with top synthetic biology experts like Dan Gibson, we extend foundational innovations into tools scientists use every day.
Learn more about our applications
First Synthetic Genome
Creation of Gibson Assembly®
First Synthetic Life
Synthetic Flu Vaccine
First Minimal Genome
Digital-to-Biological Conversion
At the J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI), Dan Gibson and the JCVI team constructed the world’s first fully synthetic bacterial genome. In this landmark achievement, they assembled an entire Mycoplasma genome from scratch, proving that a complete organism’s DNA could be synthesized in the lab. This effort—essentially writing life’s code by hand—set the stage for all subsequent advances in synthetic biology.
Driven by the need to rapidly piece together large DNA molecules, Dan Gibson developed Gibson Assembly®, a one-step enzymatic process that allowed DNA fragments to be joined seamlessly in a single reaction. Introduced in 2009, it revolutionized genetic engineering by making it faster and easier to build genes and whole genomes, quickly becoming a standard tool in labs worldwide.
Building on these advances, JCVI researchers used Gibson Assembly® to create the first self-replicating synthetic cell. By assembling and activating the Mycoplasma mycoides genome inside a bacterial cell, they produced a new life form controlled entirely by designer DNA. This “synthetic life” milestone was a watershed moment, demonstrating that humans can not only read the code of life but also write it.
In 2013, joint efforts between JCVI and Synthetic Genomics applied Gibson Assembly® to vaccine development. The teams created one of the first synthetic influenza vaccines by synthesizing flu virus genes directly from digital sequence data. This rapid-response approach showed that vaccines could be generated in dramatically shorter timeframes, foreshadowing a future where emerging viral threats could be countered with speed and precision.
At JCVI and Synthetic Genomics, scientists used Gibson Assembly® to engineer the first minimal bacterial genome. Completed in 2016, this project stripped a cell’s genome down to just 473 genes—the bare essentials for life—answering fundamental questions about what genetic elements are necessary and pushing the boundaries of synthetic biology.
At Synthetic Genomics, Gibson Assembly® also supported the development of the digital-to-biological converter (DBC)—a prototype device capable of taking a digitized DNA sequence and producing biological molecules on demand. This concept of transmitting genetic designs electronically and “printing” them as DNA, RNA, or even vaccines anywhere in the world highlighted how synthetic biology could bridge the digital and biological domains, laying groundwork for on-demand biomanufacturing.
F1-X™ Next-Gen Gibson Assembly
RC-X™ and V1-X™
The Cell-Free Future
F1-X™ advances the classic one-step Gibson Assembly® workflow with a Racer-engineered enzyme system that minimizes junction errors and extends multi-fragment capacity. Assemble multiple fragments seamlessly in a single tube while reducing total time to sequence-verified constructs. seamlessly in a single tube while reducing screens and total time to sequence-verified constructs. Designed for complex pathways, large inserts, and automation.
Pre-Order NowAccelerate the path from idea to expression.
V1-X™ delivers microgram-scale, E. coli–free plasmid amplification—mix, incubate, done. Paired with F1-X™ Next-Gen Gibson Assembly, RC-X™ enables a digital-sequence-to-protein-expression workflow without E. coli. V1-X™ is a Vibrio natriegens–based expression system for high-yield production on short timelines. Together, they create faster routes to results.
Join WaitlistWe’re building cell-free systems that assemble and amplify DNA in a single tube at very low cost, with no cold chain. Fueled by low-cost substrates and metabolism-powered systems, just add DNA, incubate, and walk away with build-ready material. Freezer-free, automation-friendly, and built to make advanced cloning accessible to any lab.
Join WaitlistShaping the Next Generation of Tools