Cell-Free: Advantages and Disadvantages of CFS

Advantages	Disadvantages
System is not an organism and is not restricted by the policies imposed on genetically modified organisms (GMO)	Short expression lifespan because of limited energy of the system even in the presence of an ATP regenerating system
Process is quick and simple requiring only preparation of cell extract and feeding solution and subsequent addition of DNA template	Expensive system has no sustained metabolism to convert cheap energy (like sugars) into useable one for the gene expression machinery
No concurrent expression of existing genome, therefore your genetically engineered device is more energy efficient	Less characterization and experience of use in the laboratories compared to E. coli
No DNA mutation of your genetically engineered device because there is no DNA replication
No selective pressue on your genetically engineered device because the system is non-living and does not undergo natural selection
No self-replication of your genetically engineered device leads to a fixed amount of DNA being expressed and more control over the rate of expression
Expression system can be quality-controlled by manipulating adjustable parameters e.g. buffers are added to maintain optimum magnesium concentrations for efficient translation; protease inhibitors can be added to minimize degradation of synthesized proteins

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