DIVA: More Science, Less DNA Construction

DNA construction is vital to a broad range of biological research, yet it is predominantly an inefficient diversion from researchers’ core research goals and expertise. We have developed a Design, Implementation, and Verification Automation (DIVA) platform to liberate researchers from building DNA, enabling them to instead focus on designing and testing their experiments of interest. DIVA’s web interface allows researchers to design DNA constructs using visual biological computer-aided design tools and existing parts from registries, submit their designs to a central construction queue, track DNA construction as it progresses, and then (in a few weeks) receive notice that their sequence-verified constructs have been completed. A small number of dedicated DIVA staff, who are responsible for DNA construction, use the DIVA web interface to evaluate submitted designs for feasibility, design assembly protocols using DNA assembly design automation software, and will be able to manage physical samples throughout the construction process with sample tracking software, and capture success and failure rates and pipeline performance metrics. With DNA construction occurring in a centralized location, DIVA staff can aggregate multiple independent construction tasks to scales that significantly benefit from laboratory automation, as well as leverage DNA synthesis and high-throughput next-gen sequencing capabilities. An initial version of the DIVA platform has been deployed at the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI) and is under continued development. We are also working closely with the Joint Genome Institute (JGI) towards deploying DIVA to better serve their user community.