Abstract

DNA synthesis is fundamental to synthetic biology, yet existing technologies face significant constraints in terms of sequence length, cost, and efficiency. Current technologies lack the control necessary to consolidate the oligonucleotide synthesis and DNA assembly on a single platform. In my thesis I introduce a digital microfluidics platform capable of performing DNA synthesis. This technology is enabled through the combined use of magnetized controlled pore glass beads with phosphoramidite functionalization and a non-standard set of synthesis reagents compatible with digital microfluidics. This work demonstrates evidence of reagent compatibility, magnetic pore glass characterization, and provides initial evidence of oligonucleotide synthesis on a digital microfluidic device.