Scientific Ginkgo Cloud Lab
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 o...
You've designed a cell-free protein expression experiment but running it means booking bench time, manual pipetting, and days of waiting. Ginkgo Cloud Lab lets you submit protocols for autonomous execution on robotic systems — getting results without setting foot in a physical lab.
Who it's for: synthetic biologists running cell-free protein expression experiments remotely, biotech startups prototyping constructs without building wet lab infrastructure, protein engineers validating designs through cloud-based automated experiments, academic researchers accessing robotic lab capabilities for high-throughput screening, computational biologists closing the design-build-test loop with automated execution
Example
"Run our cell-free expression validation on Ginkgo Cloud Lab" → Cloud lab workflow: protocol configuration for cell-free protein expression, plate layout and sample mapping, automated submission to Ginkgo's robotic execution platform, real-time run monitoring and status tracking, and results retrieval with expression level analysis
New here? 3-minute setup guide → | Already set up? Copy the template below.
# 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](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](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](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, MAWhat This Does
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.
Quick Start
Step 1: Create a Project Folder
mkdir -p ~/Projects/ginkgo-cloud-lab
Step 2: Download the Template
Click Download above, then:
mv ~/Downloads/CLAUDE.md ~/Projects/ginkgo-cloud-lab/
Step 3: Start Claude Code
cd ~/Projects/ginkgo-cloud-lab
claude
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
- Select a protocol at https://cloud.ginkgo.bio/protocols
- Configure parameters (number of samples/proteins, replicates, plates)
- Upload input files (FASTA for protein protocols, PNG/SVG for pixel art)
- Add any special requirements in the Additional Details field
- 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
Tips
- Read the docs: Check the official ginkgo-cloud-lab documentation for latest API changes
- Start simple: Begin with basic examples before tackling complex workflows
- Save your work: Keep intermediate results in case of long-running analyses