With the advances and efficiencies in genome sequencing and gene synthesis to build upon, SGI scientists are using the genome sequence data as source material to develop custom-designed modular cassettes that encode entire microbial metabolic pathways to enable new, powerful and more direct methods of bio-engineered industrial production.
SGI has also developed unique approaches to test and assess genes in multiple combinations, and then isolate optimal constructs using high-throughput screening. This strategy is known as combinatorial genomics. The Intellectual Property surrounding these technologies has been protected by SGI. Our vision is to synthesize, in an automated fashion, completely new chromosomes that enable cells to optimally perform a variety of functions.
SGI believes that a synthetic chromosome, and eventually synthetic cells, will become an integral tool for the production of many useful applications, including the efficient conversion of plant feedstocks, sunlight and/or carbon dioxide into clean renewable fuels or replacements to petrochemicals.