Software

Software

Design

In our project, software is one of the key components that allow the public to access synthetic biology without wet-lab experience. It is impossible for everyone to learn how to construct a plasmid or complete a molecular clone in a bio-lab. So our software is designed for who have great ideas on using biological components to fit their needs and want to get rid of doing tremendous works in wet-lab. Furthermore, people with no biological background have access to design their own biological circuits!

To develop our system with the increasing of users, we establish a simple database which can not only collect the parts submitted by users, but also crawl the relevant parts information on the igem website. As soon as the circiuts are uploaded, they will be automatically programmed through 3D printing machine. Finally, users will get the results of their designs, as well as suggestion on how to improve their circiuts. It is critical to ensure the quality of all parts in our database, the comments on used parts are required. Therefore, our users are asked to make comments on the parts they have used after experimental data feedback. According to thier comments, we will test mentioned parts whether are worked or not. In summary, our software not only directly interacts with users, but also can achieve self-improvement. Together with hardware, it makes the synthetic biology ideas from non-biologists come true.

First, we established a simple database. The users can submit their parts, add descriptions, retrieve and comment on others’ parts.

Secondly, to enrich our database information, we wrote a Python crawler which can crawl the relevant parts information on the igem website.

Thirdly, we designed and improved a circuit game. The users can retrieve parts and use them to design their own synthetic genetic circuits, through an intuitive graphical user interface.

Fourthly, user’s design will be passed to our 3D printing program to automatically perform the experiments to realize the circuit.

Lastly, the users will get the experimental data feedback.

Thus, both users and part contributors can improve their circuit and parts. They can constantly perfect their design and our database.

In summary, our software not only directly interacts with users, but also can achieve self-improvement. Together with hardware, it makes the synthetic biology ideas from non-biologists come true.