The article titled “CRISPR.BOT: An Autonomous Platform for Streamlined Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology Applications” published in the journal Scientific Reports introduced the CRISPR.BOT system developed by Turkish scientists to the scientific community. Following this publication, Üsküdar University TRGENMER Director Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan, TRGENMER R&D Specialist Beyza Aydın, and project team students came together to celebrate this significant achievement. It was highlighted that the experiments, which achieved a high success rate, also offered innovative solutions in the field of biosafety. It was further noted that genetic experiments can now be carried out automatically and safely.
Üsküdar University TRGENMER Director Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan and graduate students Fatmanur Erkek, Şeyma Baybara, and Rana Gür developed the project to make CRISPR technology safer, more accessible, and cost-effective.
Genetic experiments can now be performed automatically and safely
CRISPR.BOT provides a robotic platform capable of performing genetic experiments automatically and safely. Its most remarkable feature is that it is built on a low-cost LEGO-based system as an alternative to high-cost laboratory robots. While commercial systems cost between $10,000–30,000, CRISPR.BOT was developed with a budget of only around $1,000.
High success rate achieved in experiments
In the conducted experiments, CRISPR.BOT achieved high success rates in bacteria and human cells. In methods such as plasmid DNA transfer, single-cell cloning, and virus-mediated gene transfer, a success rate of over 90% was observed. Furthermore, no harmful effects were detected in cells during virus-based experiments.
It also offers innovative solutions in the field of biosafety
CRISPR.BOT also presents an innovative system in terms of biosafety. In studies conducted with dangerous pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, it enables experiments to be performed safely without direct contact by researchers.
It can be integrated with artificial intelligence
In the long term, researchers aim to integrate CRISPR.BOT with artificial intelligence to transform it into fully automated laboratory systems. In this way, robots will be able to carry out genetic experiments independently from researchers, 24/7.
This development will not only increase safety and efficiency in scientific research but also contribute to making genetic technologies more accessible.