TUSUR: Genomic Printer

2023: First Russian genomic printer created

In December 2023 Tomsk University of Control Systems and Radio Electronics (TUSUR) , they announced the creation of the first Russia genomic printer. We are talking about an oligonucleotide synthesizer, the press service of the university clarifies.

Before the prototype appeared in a year and a half, a group of scientists developed a layout of a genomic printer - a device for creating oligonucleotides (sections of DNA or RNA). The genomic printer works like an inkjet printer, but has much more nozzles and the highest accuracy. The device prints with special reagents that allow you to create oligonucleotides - small pieces of DNA or RNA. The genes are made up of thousands of oligonucleotides. By crosslinking them in a specific order, a synthesized gene or region of the gene can be obtained.

Genomic printer developed by TCUR

According to Ruslan Gadirov, head of the laboratory of additive technologies and engineering biology of the university, the Russian genomic printer will allow you to synthesize up to 30 thousand pieces of genes at a time. The printer is needed, in particular, for the development of expensive drugs for rare and severe diseases, it will speed up research, and therefore the emergence of new drugs. Now most manufacturers of oligonucleotides required to create gene constructs are concentrated in the United States.

Scientists said that the prototype differs significantly from the previously proposed layout. They created a sealed chamber for the synthesis of oligonucleotides (DNA and RNA fragments), while reducing its volume to reduce the flow of inert gas. In addition, they improved positioning accuracy, diversified the set of syringe dispensers, several modules appeared for different types of substrates, and much more. The authors of the printer also developed an industrial design for the device. The main component of the printer - a piezoelectric dispenser - was produced in Russia for the first time. By the end of December 2023, the device is preparing for the start of deliveries.^[1]

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