MarieLynneBlock Ginkgo Cloud Lab
Overview
Ginkgo Cloud Lab (https://cloud.ginkgo.bio) provides remote access to Ginkgo Bioworks' autonomous lab infrastructure. Protocols are executed on Reconfigurable Automation Carts (RACs) -- modular units with robotic arms, maglev sample transport, and industrial-grade software spanning 70+ instruments.
The platform also includes EstiMate, an AI agent that accepts human-language protocol descriptions and returns feasibility assessments and pricing for custom workflows beyond the listed protocols.
Available Protocols
1. Cell Free Protein Expression Validation
Rapid go/no-go expression screening using reconstituted E. coli CFPS. Submit a FASTA sequence (up to 1800 bp) and receive expression confirmation, baseline titer (mg/L), and initial purity with virtual gel images.
- Price: $39/sample | Turnaround: 5-10 days | Status: Certified
- Details: See references/cell-free-protein-expression-validation.md
2. Cell Free Protein Expression Optimisation
DoE-based optimisation across up to 24 conditions per protein (lysates, temperatures, chaperones, disulfide enhancers, cofactors). Designed for difficult-to-express and membrane proteins.
- Price: $199/sample | Turnaround: 6-11 days | Status: Certified
- Details: See references/cell-free-protein-expression-optimisation.md
3. Fluorescent Pixel Art Generation
Transform a pixel art image (48x48 to 96x96 px, PNG/SVG) into fluorescent bacterial artwork using up to 11 E. coli strains via acoustic dispensing. Delivered as high-res UV photographs.
- Price: $25/plate | Turnaround: 5-7 days | Status: Beta
- Details: See references/fluorescent-pixel-art-generation.md
General Ordering Workflow
- Select a protocol at https://cloud.ginkgo.bio/protocols
- Configure parameters (number of samples/proteins, replicates, plates)
- Upload input files (FASTA for protein protocols, PNG/SVG for pixel art)
- Add any special requirements in the Additional Details field
- Submit and receive a feasibility report and price quote
For protocols not listed above, use the EstiMate chat to describe a custom protocol in plain language and receive compatibility assessment and pricing.
Authentication
Access Ginkgo Cloud Lab at https://cloud.ginkgo.bio. Account creation or institutional access may be required. Contact Ginkgo at cloud@ginkgo.bio for access questions.
Key Infrastructure
- RACs (Reconfigurable Automation Carts): Modular robotic units with high-precision arms and maglev transport
- Catalyst Software: Protocol orchestration, scheduling, parameterization, and real-time monitoring
- 70+ integrated instruments: Sample prep, liquid handling, analytical readouts, storage, incubation
- Nebula: Ginkgo's autonomous lab facility in Boston, MA