Nathaniel J. Gaut

A Chemically Defined Synthetic Cell Capable Of Growth And Replication

The paper describes a synthetic cell capable of growth, replication, and division using a 90kb genome encoding essential cellular functions.

One-pot cloning and protein expression platform for genetic engineering

This paper introduces a one-pot cloning and protein expression platform that integrates mutagenesis, plasmid assembly, and functional testing in a single reaction, validated with multiple protein systems.

Controlled exchange of protein and nucleic acid signals from and between synthetic minimal cells

This study demonstrates the controlled exchange of protein and nucleic acid signals between synthetic minimal cells using cell penetrating peptides.

A gene expression control technology for cell-free systems and synthetic cells via targeted gene silencing and transfection

The paper introduces a silencing oligo method to control gene expression in cell-free systems and synthetic cells through targeted mRNA binding and transfection.

New Aequorea fluorescent proteins for cell-free bioengineering

The paper validates new Aequorea fluorescent proteins for use in cell-free expression systems.

Parasites, infections and inoculation in synthetic minimal cells

This paper demonstrates a synthetic cell system that models host-parasite interactions, resistance to infection, and an inoculation system for immunity.

T7Max transcription system

The paper introduces a modified T7 RNA polymerase promoter, T7Max, that enhances transcription and translation yields in cell-free systems by increasing transcript concentration.

Akaby - cell-free protein expression system for linear templates

The paper introduces Akaby, a modified E. coli strain that improves protein expression from linear DNA templates in cell-free systems by reducing DNA degradation.

Highly specific, multiplexed isothermal pathogen detection with fluorescent aptamer readout

This paper introduces Apta-NASBA, a method for highly specific, multiplexed pathogen detection using fluorescent aptamers, achieving a 1 pM detection limit and compatible with various detection platforms.

Enabling community-based metrology for wood-degrading fungi

The paper establishes standardized methods and reference materials for measuring wood-degrading fungi growth to enable reproducible and scalable bioproduction.

Differentiation of Pluripotent Synthetic Minimal Cells via Genetic Circuits and Programmable Mating

The paper demonstrates a method to engineer genetic circuits in synthetic minimal cells, enabling differentiation into new lineages through programmable mating or small molecule stimuli.