# Key Points from ##hplusroadmap IRC Discussion (July 4-5, 2016)

• A novel concept for controlled DNA synthesis was proposed, involving first selecting for extremely slow polymerases, then engineering them to incorporate nucleotides only when externally stimulated, potentially enabling precise control over DNA polymer creation.

• Nmz787 described building an electroporation device using micropython on an STM Nucleo F401 microcontroller to generate high-voltage pulses for introducing DNA into bacteria, demonstrating DIY approaches to biotechnology tools.

• Participants discussed a potential $250M project to "reboot" the Human Genome Project, focusing on developing highly efficient DNA synthesis methods that produce super-long DNA fragments without requiring separate assembly steps.

• The group explored microfluidic approaches to DNA synthesis, including systems with channels as small as 25-100nm that allow for controlled DNA transport, with enzymes contained in a "strainer" device with verification mechanisms.

• A researcher shared work on synthetic viruses for oncolytic (cancer-fighting) treatments, with plans to begin testing in canine patients and interest in scaling up synthetic virus production.

• The conversation touched on regulatory concerns around ITAR potentially limiting international collaboration on synthetic biology projects due to bioweapon concerns.

• Several papers on light-controlled and electronically-controlled DNA synthesis were shared, including "Light-dependent RNA polymerase" and "Remote electronic control of DNA hybridization through inductive coupling."