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name: ginkgo-cloud-lab description: Submit and manage protocols on Ginkgo Bioworks Cloud Lab (cloud.ginkgo.bio), a web-based interface for autonomous lab execution on Reconfigurable Automation Carts (RACs). Use when the user wants to run cell-free protein expression (validation or optimization), generate fluorescent pixel art, or interact with Ginkgo Cloud Lab services. Covers protocol selection, input preparation, pricing, and ordering workflows.

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 Optimization

DoE-based optimization 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-optimization.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

1. Select a protocol at https://cloud.ginkgo.bio/protocols
2. Configure parameters (number of samples/proteins, replicates, plates)
3. Upload input files (FASTA for protein protocols, PNG/SVG for pixel art)
4. Add any special requirements in the Additional Details field
5. 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