International Standard Framework Unites Synthetic Biology Laboratories Worldwide

International Collaboration Yields Groundbreaking Framework

An international research team, led by Dr. Haseong Kim from the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), has developed a groundbreaking standard framework for biofoundries - automated laboratories in synthetic biology. This collaborative effort, involving institutions from Korea, the U.S., the U.K., Singapore, and others, aims to simplify and enhance the accuracy and efficiency of synthetic biology research worldwide 1

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The Rise of Biofoundries in the Global Bioeconomy

Biofoundries are emerging as a core technology in the rapidly expanding global bioeconomy. These advanced facilities integrate automated robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to standardize, accelerate, and automate the entire synthetic biology pipeline. This integration supports both experimental and manufacturing processes with high-throughput capabilities, potentially addressing global challenges in pharmaceuticals, biotherapeutics, and chemical materials 1

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Addressing Collaboration Challenges

Since the establishment of the Global Biofoundries Alliance (GBA) in 2019, 33 member institutions have joined forces to share resources and tackle scientific and engineering challenges collectively. However, differences in equipment, workflows, and operational practices have hindered effective collaboration and resource sharing among biofoundries 1

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The Four-Level Hierarchical Framework

Source: Phys.org

To overcome these obstacles, the research team developed a four-level hierarchical framework that standardizes all experimental processes in biofoundries:

1. Workflows
2. Protocols
3. Methods
4. Unit Operations

This structure enables consistent recording, sharing, and automation of complex biological experiments, facilitating the accumulation of high-quality process data usable in AI applications 1

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Impact and Future Prospects

The new framework represents the first globally unified operational structure for biofoundries, effectively creating a common language that allows laboratories to operate as a coordinated team. It enhances compatibility among automation equipment, improves reliability and reproducibility of experimental data, and facilitates integration with AI-driven and software-based experimental design and analysis 1

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Dr. Seung-Goo Lee, the corresponding author, emphasized the framework's importance in enhancing Korea's biofoundry capabilities through global interoperability, particularly following the recent passage of the Synthetic Biology Promotion Act in April 1

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Global Perspectives

Dr. Haseong Kim highlighted the practical challenges identified during collaboration with international researchers in adapting experimental protocols to the biofoundry environment. He expressed hope that K-Biofoundry's leadership in workflow standardization would contribute to solving global challenges and advancing the bioeconomy 1

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Prof. Paul Freemont of the London Biofoundry, a co-corresponding author, stressed the framework's significance in addressing the diversity of practices across labs. He noted that this approach provides a flexible and practical method for sharing and utilizing each laboratory's unique expertise 1

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Funding and Publication

This research was supported by various programs funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and the KRIBB Research Initiative Program. The study, titled "Abstraction hierarchy to define biofoundry workflows and operations for interoperable synthetic biology research and applications," was published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications on July 1, 2025 2

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