Twist Bioscience touts Battelle biosecurity technology

The synthetic biology firm Twist Bioscience Corporation is espousing the benefits of Battelle’s ThreatSEQTM web service DNA screening platform, which is designed to aid in bolstering internal biosecurity efforts.

“Battelle created the ThreatSEQ web service with significant input from industry leaders and the scientific community worldwide as well as global databases,” Emily M. Leproust, CEO and co-founder of Twist Bioscience, said. “Its algorithm allows for continuous updates as new sequences of concern are discovered. We welcome the opportunity to evolve our biosecurity program to continue to maintain the most comprehensive screening effort, allowing us to screen DNA even faster and ensure our customers are using our synthetic DNA for responsible research.”

The web service is a highly accurate and cost-effective, standard-bearing commercial DNA screening solution. The service includes an advanced biocuration pipeline reducing synthesis providers’ maintenance and labor costs while maintaining effective biosecurity.

“We have spent decades working with and characterizing biothreats to support global biodefense efforts, which has resulted in the curation of a high-quality Sequence of Concern database and the development of a robust algorithm for screening DNA at production scale rapidly,” Matt Vaughan, president of Battelle’s Contract Research business, said. “Twist Bioscience continues its leadership in the field of biosecurity as the first to integrate the ThreatSEQ web service into its gene-length DNA screening pipeline. We look forward to expanding this service to all companies who desire standardized and sustainable screening capabilities.”