The article titled “CRISPR.BOT: An Autonomous Platform for Streamlined Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology Applications,” published in Scientific Reports journal, introduced the CRISPR.BOT system developed by Turkish scientists to the scientific community. Following this introduction, Üsküdar Üniversitesi TRGENMER Director Dr. Lecturer Cihan Taştan, TRGENMER R&D Manager Beyza Aydın, and the project team students gathered to celebrate this significant achievement. It was highlighted that the project offers innovative solutions in the field of biosecurity in experiments achieving a high success rate. It was also noted that genetic experiments can now be performed automatically and safely.
Üsküdar Üniversitesi TRGENMER Director Dr. Lecturer Cihan Taştan and master's students Fatmanur Erkek, Şeyma Baybara, and Rana Gür developed the project to make CRISPR technology safer, more accessible, and more cost-effective.
Genetic experiments can now be performed automatically and safely
CRISPR.BOT offers a robotic platform that can perform genetic experiments automatically and safely. Its most striking feature is that it is built on a LEGO-based, low-cost system as an alternative to high-cost laboratory robots. While commercial systems cost 10–30 thousand dollars, CRISPR.BOT was developed with a budget of only approximately 1,000 dollars.
High success rate achieved in experiments
In experiments conducted, CRISPR.BOT achieved a high success rate in bacterial and human cells. A success rate of over 90% was observed in methods such as plasmid DNA transfer, single-cell cloning, and virus-mediated gene transfer. Furthermore, no harmful effects were observed in cells during virus-based experiments.
Also offers innovative solutions in the field of biosecurity
CRISPR.BOT also offers an innovative system in terms of biosecurity. In studies involving dangerous pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, it allows for safe experimentation without direct contact by researchers.
Can be integrated with artificial intelligence
Researchers aim to integrate CRISPR.BOT with artificial intelligence in the long term, transforming it into fully autonomous laboratory systems. This way, robots will be able to conduct genetic experiments 24/7, independently of researchers.
This development will both increase safety and efficiency in scientific research and contribute to making genetic technologies more accessible.