A Robotic Revolution in Biological Discovery
Explore the TechnologyImagine a dedicated lab assistant that never gets tired, never needs to sleep, and can run experiments with perfect precision around the clock. For biologists tackling some of science's most complex questions, this vision is now a reality with Chi.Bio, an open-source robotic platform that is automating experimental procedures in biological research 1 .
Run experiments 24/7 with perfect precision, eliminating human error and variability.
Developed initially at the University of Oxford, Chi.Bio emerged from a practical need to overcome the tedium and variability plaguing many laboratory protocols 3 . Traditional biological experiments often rely on manual labor—tired graduate students working late to induce cultures, or the constant shuttling of samples between incubators and measurement devices 1 .
At its core, Chi.Bio is a parallelized, open-source platform designed for the automated characterization and manipulation of biological systems 6 .
Its primary goal is to provide a controlled, static environment for cell cultures, something notoriously difficult to achieve with conventional batch culture methods where the chemical environment constantly changes as cells grow and consume nutrients 6 .
Continuous, in-situ measurement and manipulation of living cultures
Opens new frontiers in synthetic, systems, and evolutionary biology
Precise temperature regulation, optogenetic stimulation, and automated liquid handling
Continuous cell culture with magnetic stirring for uniform environment
Real-time optical density, fluorescence spectrometry, and data processing
The platform's hardware is a masterpiece of integrated design, combining multiple laboratory instruments into one compact unit.
| Component | Function | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Seven-Colour LED | Optogenetic control & fluorescence excitation | Intensity controllable over three orders of magnitude 6 |
| Chip Spectrometer | Fluorescence & optical density measurement | Eight optical filters for multi-channel, ratiometric measurement 6 |
| Peristaltic Pumps | Liquid in-/outflow | Enables continuous culture and automated dosing 6 |
| Infrared Thermometer | Temperature monitoring | ±0.2°C accuracy for precise environmental control 6 |
| 650-nm Laser | Optical Density (OD) measurement | Analog feedback circuit for stable, temperature-insensitive readings 6 |
Chi.Bio is powered by a Python-based operating system accessible via an easy-to-use web interface 1 . Researchers can set up experiments in minutes and monitor them remotely from any connected computer or network.
Access and control experiments from any device with a browser
Data is plotted in real-time, allowing protocol adjustments on the fly 1
One of the most compelling demonstrations of Chi.Bio's capabilities is its use in optogenetic feedback control experiments 7 . Optogenetics uses light to control cellular processes, and with Chi.Bio, this can be done with a level of precision and automation previously unimaginable.
A study showcased on the Chi.Bio platform illustrates this powerful application 7 . The goal was to use a computer-controlled feedback loop to regulate the output of a growing cell population in real-time.
The experiment was a resounding success. The Chi.Bio platform demonstrated that it could regulate the cells' output fluorescence to follow a user-defined profile with high accuracy 7 .
Fluorescence Regulation Chart
(Dynamic visualization of PID-controlled fluorescence output)| Reagent / Component | Type | Function in the Experiment |
|---|---|---|
| CcaS-CcaR System | Optogenetic Circuit | A two-component system where green light promotes and red light represses transcription of a target gene 7 . |
| GFP Reporter | Fluorescent Protein | An easily measurable output that indicates the activity level of the optogenetic circuit 7 . |
| Growth Media | Nutrient Source | Supports continuous cell growth during the extended experiment within the Chi.Bio reactor 6 . |
| Chi.Bio Software (PID Controller) | Computational Algorithm | The "brain" that calculates the required light intensity to maintain the desired fluorescence level 7 . |
The applications of Chi.Bio extend far beyond optogenetics, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of biological research.
Researchers can use it to perform precise growth curves and, using its "zig-zag" density pattern, make highly accurate measurements of temporal variations in growth rate 7 .
Growth AnalysisBy inducing different fluorescent proteins at different times, scientists can observe how cells manage internal resources, providing insights into metabolic trade-offs 7 .
Metabolic StudiesThe platform can automate laboratory evolution by subjecting cells to temporal chemical gradients or other stresses over weeks or months 1 .
Evolution Studies| Time (Hours) | Optical Density (OD) | Calculated Growth Rate (per hour) | Experimental Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0.1 | 0.45 | Baseline growth |
| 2 | 0.2 | 0.44 | Baseline growth |
| 4 | 0.4 | 0.43 | Baseline growth |
| 5 | 0.2 | 0.40 | UV LED switched on |
| 7 | 0.4 | 0.35 | UV exposure |
| 9 | 0.2 | 0.30 | UV exposure |
| 24 | 0.2 | 0.15 | Sustained UV exposure |
Perhaps one of the most transformative aspects of Chi.Bio is its commitment to being open-source 6 . The schematics, software, and assembly manuals are freely available, meaning any laboratory in the world can build its own platform for approximately $300 using printed circuit boards and off-the-shelf components 6 .
All schematics, software, and assembly manuals are open access
Approximately $300 per unit compared to thousands for commercial alternatives
Empowers a more diverse global research community to pursue ambitious questions 6
This philosophy broadens access to cutting-edge capabilities, empowering a more diverse global research community to pursue ambitious questions in synthetic and systems biology 6 .
Chi.Bio represents a significant shift in how biological experiments can be conducted. By merging precise measurement and actuation into a single, automated, and affordable platform, it overcomes long-standing challenges of reproducibility, resolution, and labor.
It allows biologists to move from sporadic snapshots of cellular behavior to watching a high-definition "movie" of biological processes, all while having the tools to interact with the plot in real-time. As this technology becomes more widespread, it promises to accelerate the pace of discovery, bringing us closer to a deeper, more predictable understanding of the complex machinery of life.
References will be populated here manually as needed.