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Biological/Genetic Engineering is an interdisciplinary area focusing on the application of engineering principles to biological systems in order to solve problems in the realm of sustainable food, materials, energy, and health. 

Similar to miniature factories, bacteria follow DNA programming that has been inserted into their "bodies" through genetic engineering and create products in response. Each bacterium produces a small quantity of the product which, when cultivated in large vessels, create significant amounts of pigments, medicine, plastic compounds, etc, that can be extracted and used by industries and individuals. As bacteria multiply rapidly and easily when fed sugars and kept in a controlled environment, creating products through genetic/biological engineering is sustainable and safe.

Thanks to the hard work of scientists around the world, programming DNA is improving our quality of life and keeping diseases at bay. Already in the hands of hundreds of millions of people each day, the number of genetically engineered products will continue to rise in the future. And now, you too can program bacteria! Amino Labs Kits have everything you need to bioengineer for the first time or the hundredth! 

By getting hands-on experience with genetic engineering and biotechnology, you will become immersed in some of the most cutting-edge science of the 21st century. Find out more hands-on and in more details by completing our Virtual Bioengineer online simulation

Learning and prototyping with genetic engineering and cells is starting to become accessible to newcomers of all ages and backgrounds thanks to dedicated scientists and kits such as the one you are about to use! The easiest way to learn a new science, hobby or topic is by trying it, hands-on.

Our Amino Labs Kits make it easy to add a DNA program into living cells by following the instructions in this booklet. Everything you need to complete the science in included; each ingredient in the kit is pre-measured and labelled for a stress-free experience. Our all-in-one stations decrease, setup time, mess, guesswork and the need to collect and calibrate multiple machines. The instructions are easy-to-follow for non-scientists and scientists alike.

An important addition to our ecosystem is the Virtual Bioengineer™ simulation developed with the educators at the Biobuilder Educational Foundation. A free 20 minutes guided experience virtually replicates the hands-on procedures you will soon complete with your system. An easy way to practice using Amino Hardware and Engineer-it Kit™ beforehand, it includes additional information on the manipulations, as well as deeper look into DNA and biological engineering. We recommend it strongly! Complete it here for free

Cells are tiny living units that function like mini-factories. Bacteria are single-celled organisms. Individual bacteria can only be seen with a microscope, but they reproduce so rapidly that they often form colonies that we can see. Bacteria reproduce when one cell splits into two cells through a process called binary fission. Fission occurs rapidly, in as little as 20 minutes. Under perfect conditions a single bacterium could grow into over one billion bacteria in only 10 hours!

Each bacteria, or cell, is told how to use its factory-like capabilities by its DNA. DNA is like a computer program; it is the set of instructions that tells the cell(s) how to function. 

In this kit, you get a DNA plasmid (we will sometime refer to it as a DNA Program since it is an easier language to grasp). DNA plasmids are also a set of instructions for the cells, but much smaller—a plasmid only has a few functions, as opposed to the complete genome of the bacteria. Bacteria share vital information with each other by passing along plasmids. By inserting a new plasmid in our bacteria, we can get them to produce things for us. In the case of our Magenta Engineer-it Kit, the plasmid encodes for the creation of Magenta-coloured pigments.

Since DNA is a very hydrophilic molecule, it won’t normally pass through the bacteria's cell membrane. In order to make bacteria take in the plasmid, it must first be made “competent”. This means creating small holes in the bacterial cells by suspending them in a solution with a high concentration of calcium (the transformation buffer). DNA can then be forced into the cells by incubating the cells and the DNA together on ice, placing them briefly at 42°C (heat shock), and then putting them back on ice. This causes the bacteria to take in the DNA and is called “Transformation”. 

You will need to grow your bacteria on the nutrient agar petri dish (plates) before you insert the DNA plasmid. Freshly grown bacteria take up DNA much better than older ones since they are still in a growth phase. Nutrient agar is a jello-like staple food source for the bacteria which you will pour into the provided plates (petri dish) in the first step. Two types of agar will be made: non-selective and selective. The non-selective agar allows any bacteria to grow, while the selective agar has an antibiotic mixed in which allows only antibiotic-resistant bacteria to grow. The DNA plasmid you insert will make your bacteria antibiotic-resistant so that only those cells will grow. 

Specifically, your Engineer-it Kit will allow you to complete the following hands-on exercises to successfully achieve a bacterial transformation : 

1. Make selective and non-selective plates for growing bacteria.
2. Grow/streak K12 E. coli (to be used for DNA transformation)
3. Make K12 E. coli cells chemically competent (able to take up DNA plasmids)
4. Transform the competent cells with DNA program(s) (i.e. for generating colour pigments)
5. Recover and grow the transformed cells on plates

Try Virtual Bioengineer simulation to get a comprehensive understanding of how an Engineer-it Kit and DNA Playground work enable you to engineer cells.

If you don't have a DNA Playground, you will need to get:

1. Ice and Ice Bucket
   
2. Warm water bath (can be done using a bowl and manually setting water temperature)
   
3. Thermometer
   
4. Incubator to incubate cell and plates --  should hold 37C degrees

See the full instructions in our manual

The Engineer-it Kit comes in Single User or Group User. It contains the same ingredients, in different quantities to allow the "Single" user the chance to engineer the bacteria twice, and the group to engineer 16 times (perfect for a class of 32 divided in groups of 2). 

The Individual Kit: The Engineer-it Kit™ "Individual" or "single" allows for 2 attempts at engineering bacteria with DNA Program provided. Try both simultaneously to maximize your chance of success, alone or with a friend. In the 2017 kits, you will find 4 petri plates in your kit. This means you can now try both attempts at once or keep one attempt for later, as a repeat experience.

The Group Kit: The Engineer-it Kit™ for groups allows for 16 attempts at engineering bacteria with a DNA Program. In a group of 16-32, we recommend pairing up the students. If 16 or less users are present, you can save up the ingredients for later use. The manuals contain the breakdown of the group kit per student. 

In North America, yes! Our kits are Biosafety Level 1 / Risk Group 1 which means they do not require special containment in North America. 

In Europe, however, there are different containment laws by country. Please check with your local authorities or find a local certified DIYBio space. You can start by looking here https://diybio.org/local/ 

Europe is well connected so you may want to take a weekend biohacking vacation to DIYbio spaces such as La Paillasse in Paris, MadLab in Manchester, London Biohackers in London, Waag Society in Amsterdam or many others. If you purchase a DNA Playground Starter Set, you can take it to one of these spaces and do the experiment! They'll probably love to join you!

We use lab-strain, non-pathogenic E.Coli bacteria. Many people hear of E. coli and think pathogen! In fact, most if not all humans have E. coli naturally occurring in our large intestines. E. coli is critical in helping to maintain gut health. About 100 years ago some E. coli was collected and was analysed in a lab. This "strain" was shared by more and more labs. Through that process, scientists, slightly modified the bacteria to make them more "lab friendly". One hundred years later, tens of thousands of labs have used "lab strains" of E. coli for research, biomanufacturing, and more! 

Lab strains of E. coli have modifications to them that make it virtually impossible for them to live in the environment, Amino Labs offers "K12 E. coli".

The DNA Playground™ is a simple and engaging science station that enables you to genetically engineer bacteria, and to incubate and grow your bacteria. Small, contained and safe, this station is a new bioengineer's must!

It can be used at home or by educators in schools as a personal and engaging alternative to traditional and messy lab equipment. With a class setup time of under 10 minutes, the station allows you to get started with your genetic and biological engineering right away! Each DNA Playground can do up to 4 simultaneous transformations and replaces the need for heated water baths, ice buckets and ice, incubator, timer and thermometers. It complements the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and is compatible with most bacterial transformation kits available on the market.  

A - The Cold Station

To transform bacteria you need to both keep certain ingredients “on ice” and to “ice” bacteria. We’ve replace the need for ice in the DNA Playground with tube coolers that reach a freezing temperature of 1-6°C when set to "ICE" on the touch screen.  The station can also be set to ~16°C when using "COOL" on the touchscreen. ~16°C is a traditionally used temperature in labs, that you may use in future experiements, or in your own explorations.

B - The Hot Station 

To bioengineer, you need to use heat for several things: 1) to keep ingredients warm; 2) to heatshock bacteria to allow the DNA program to go through the cell membrane; 3) to recover them 4) to incubate them for optimal growth. The DNA Playground has a Hot station that allows you to heat up 4 tubes of reagents, or 4 plates of bacteria. When you incubate plates, remember to use the Glass Lid on top.  Using the touchscreen, you can set the heat station to "Warm" ~30°C, "Heat" ~37°C, and "Shock" ~42°C. 

C - The Touchscreen

The DNA Playground has a touchscreen that allows you to control the different system parts and let you know what's going on inside—you will see the temperature of each station in Celcius. This data will help you make the most out of your experiment. (More on the next page)

D - The Power switch

E - The Power Supply Port

To connect your Amino Labs-provided power supply. 

F- The Adjustable feet

Make sure your DNA Playground is always level thanks to these minimally adjustable feet.  

G - The Airflow vents

Keep these vents clear - they allow the cold and hot station to function properly. 

You can get a Version 2 Alpha of the Bioproduction Lab in our store.

After our first year testing out the Amino One // Bioproduction Lab, which allows for genetic engineering and bioproduction (cell culturing), we found that teachers and parents love it. However, from a business/manufacturing perspective, we have found that a modular system was the better way forward.

We will split the Bioproduction Lab into two separate modules, the DNA Playground module and the Brewer module. The DNA Playground BETA will be the "brain" of the system, and the Brewer module will plug into it. It will function very similarly to the original Bioproduction Lab, however, it will be manufactured quite differently. We aim to release a Beta version of the Brewer in 2017, so if you'd like to be among the first to get it, and maybe get some updates about its release, subscribe below. 

Want the original Amino One Bioproduction Lab? Contact us, let's discuss it! 

See theDNA Playground

Subscribe to our Brewer news mailing list

Yes! Amino Labs kits are optimized for use with a friendly type of bacteria used by scientists for research in labs. This bacterial strain can safely be used by anyone, anywhere in North America. It is non-pathogenic, and part of BioSafety Level 1 / Risk Group 1 Classification. (Please check your local regulations if you are outside of North America as these might be different. Contact us at info@amino.bio for any questions.) 

There are always challenges around the subject of biosafety and biosecurity. Amino Labs has aligned itself with President Obama, the National Security Counsel, and The National Strategy for Countering Biological Threats, who have asserted that "The beneficial nature of life science research is reflected in the widespread manner in which it occurs. From cutting-edge academic institutes, to industrial research centers, to private laboratories in basements and garages, progress is increasingly driven by innovation and open access to the insights and materials needed to advance individual initiatives." Moreover their strategy is targeted to reduce biology threads by "improving global access to the life science to combat infectious disease regardless of its cause".  Our lead Scientist, Dr. Justin Pahara, is an Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity Initiative fellow and will make sure Amino Labs is pioneering accessible and safe hands-on biology.  

We believe that increasing meaningful engagement with and understanding of biology can only be done in a learn-by-doing manner, and this means making biotechnology available. This will naturally create concern and we are here to help with any further questions, should you have any.

In North America, yes! Our kits are Biosafety Level 1 / Risk Group 1 which means they do not require special containment in North America. 

In Europe, however, there are different containment laws by country. Please check with your local authorities or find a local DIYBio space. You can start by looking here https://diybio.org/local/

Bioengineering and life sciences are safe activities when you follow simple guidelines. Read on to ensure you adopt safe practices. Firstly, the kits contains only non-pathogenic ingredients. These are rated Risk Group 1 (RG1) (Biosafety Level 1), the most benign level (and therefore the safest). With these ingredients, no special containment or training is required in North America*, but you must follow the following rules for your safety and the safety and success of your experiment(s)! 

We recommend the system for ages 8+, under adult supervision, and 16+ unsupervised.

We recommend that the discard container be emptied by an adult and that the cleaning instructions be strictly followed for safety and experiment success. Make sure to store the ingredients in accordance with the instructions found in this booklet (refrigerated, in the freezer, or room temperature). Eyewear is not provided but should be worn. 

• Do not eat or drink near your experiments. Keep your experiment at least 10 feet from food, drinks, etc. Under no circumstances should you consume any of the ingredients. 
• Immunocompromised persons: While the ingredients in these kits are considered non-pathogenic, some persons, such as immunocompromised persons, can be affected by large numbers of bacteria and should wear extra protection to ensure no contact with the ingredients. 
• Wash your hands before and after manipulating your experiment, the ingredients, or the hardware. 
• Wear gloves, even when cleaning your station or handling the consumables (petri plates, loops, etc). This will protect you from your experiment, and your experiment from you. Any latex, nitrile, or general purpose gloves you can find at the pharmacy will do. Also, after you put your gloves on, be aware of what you touch. Try not to touch your face, scratch itches with your gloved fingers! 
• Make sure all hardware is place on a solid surface, away from young children and pets. Keep it level at all times. 
• Clean up your station, spills and work surface before and after use. Use a 10% solution of chlorinated bleach generously sprayed onto a paper towel and rub onto any contaminated surfaces. (Careful! This can discolor your clothes). A chlorinated spay cleaner will also work. 
• Find a container to discard used consumables such as the blue and yellow loops, and tubes. An old large yogurt container, large plastic cup or the like will do. You will then fill this with bleach once your experiment is over, as described in the "After your experiment" section of the instruction manuals.

If you would like to do a short online lab safety course for your edification, we recommend this Government of Canada course: https://training-formation.phac-aspc.gc.ca/

STEM Programs That Will Attract Kids to Science and Engineering Careers: http://www.universityherald.com/articles/47016/20161101/stem-programs-science-and-engineering-careers.htm

This Playful Lab-in-a-Box Will Teach You How to Reprogram Life: https://singularityhub.com/2016/12/28/this-playful-lab-in-a-box-will-teach-you-how-to-reprogram-life/

These Programs Want Kids To Be Bioengineers And Scientists: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferhicks/2016/10/29/these-programs-want-kids-to-be-bioengineers-and-scientists/#2681bd3c6fd4

BIOFABRICATE: Biotech and Synbio for the Production of New Sustainable Materials: http://blogs.plos.org/synbio/2016/11/24/biofabricate-biotech-and-synbio-for-the-production-of-new-sustainable-materials/

Now You Can Genetically Engineer Living Cells with a Home Kit. Should You?: https://www.technologyreview.com/s/543491/now-you-can-genetically-engineer-living-cells-with-a-home-kit-should-you/

Amino-a countertop bioreactor making bioengineering accessible to everyone!: https://biotechin.asia/2015/11/06/amino-a-countertop-sized-bioreactor-making-bioengineering-accessible-to-everyone/

The Synthetic Biology Era Is Here—How We Can Make the Most of It: https://singularityhub.com/2016/08/19/the-synthetic-biology-era-is-here-how-we-can-make-the-most-of-it/

Tools for Would-Be Biohackers: Here Come 3 Mini-Labs: http://spectrum.ieee.org/the-human-os/biomedical/devices/tools-for-would-be-biohackers-here-come-3-mini-labs

Biohacking and the Do-It-Yourself Biology revolution: https://biotechin.asia/2016/02/23/biohacking-and-the-do-it-yourself-biology-revolution/

Homebrew Biology Kit Brings Synthetic Biology To The Masses: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2076666-homebrew-biology-kit-brings-synthetic-biology-to-the-masses/

Germany Is Threatening Biohackers With Prison: http://gizmodo.com/germany-is-threatening-biohackers-with-prison-1792143993

Synbio and biosecurity: https://phys.org/news/2017-02-synbio-biosecurity.html