Tomsk State University has initiated a consortium that is developing a printer for printing oligonucleotides - short sections of DNA. The section can be used to assemble already known genes with modifications or to create new sequences, depending on the problem. The first Russian DNA printer can lead to revolutionary changes in many sectors - medicine, pharmaceuticals, the chemical industry, and agriculture. The consortium includes TSU, the Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine (ICBFM), and TUSUR.
- Genes bioprinting is the newest scientific area. The leadership belongs to the United States and China, - says Alexey Sazonov, advisor to TSU and project manager in biomedicine. - Unlike conventional, fairly widespread DNA synthesizers, there is a limited number of installations for high-performance printing of DNA fragments (oligonucleotides). These devices are not sold on the market, only the service can be purchased. So this invention opens up tremendous opportunities for solving the most complex problems of genetic technologies.
According to Alexey Sazonov, world scientists are now trying to print sections of DNA that are as long as possible but the complexity of chemical synthesis makes this process very expensive. The idea of Russian researchers is to print short fragments of a varied assortment. From them, as from the parts of a constructor, it will be possible to collect long DNA for various scientific and applied purposes.
With such artificially created DNA, it is possible to create effective approaches in gene therapy and advanced medicines. By changing the DNA of microorganisms, humanity will solve one of the most acute problems - waste recycling. Synthetic DNA is also necessary in new agrobiotechnologies that will ensure the country's food security. At the same time, the ability to print DNA will open up unlimited possibilities for researchers and help bioengineers to quickly test working hypotheses and create innovations.
- The complexity of creating a DNA printer lies in technological barriers, - explains Alexey Sazonov. - For example, the installation requires nozzles with holes microns in diameter and at the same time resistant to the aggressive environment and matrices for growing DNA. The creation of materials for these products is undertaken by TSU, where there are the strongest materials scientists. We need precise microelectronics and precision positioning systems. TUSUR has very strong competencies in this area. Our colleagues from the ICBFM are responsible for everything related to chemistry. They have to develop technology for the process of DNA printing and gene synthesis.
Currently, the consortium members are working on the technical inquiries for a unique installation. It is planned that a working prototype of the first Russian DNA printer will be ready by 2024.