Imperial/Cell-Free/Comparison
From 2007.igem.org
Cell-Free: Advantages and Disadvantages of CFS
| 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 |
