{"id":27396514,"date":"2026-06-25T10:48:50","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T08:48:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/synthelis.com\/?page_id=27396514"},"modified":"2026-06-26T09:25:39","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T07:25:39","slug":"cell-free-technologies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/synthelis.com\/en\/cell-free-technologies\/","title":{"rendered":"Cell-free technologies"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_position=”top_center” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” min_height=”50vh” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/synthelis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Synthelis-Technologie-Cell-Free.webp” background_position=”top_center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”PT Serif||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”16px” background_layout=”dark” min_height=”33vh” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”45deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”#29102e 6%|#4d1749 65%” background_color_gradient_start=”#29102e” background_color_gradient_start_position=”6%” background_color_gradient_end=”#4d1749″ background_color_gradient_end_position=”65%” custom_padding=”78px|65px|78px|65px|true|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Rufina||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”4em” text_line_height=”1em” header_font=”Rufina||||||||” header_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_font_size=”55px” header_font_size_tablet=”55px” header_font_size_phone=”40px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Cell-free
\ntechnologies.<\/h1>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” height=”50px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”PT Serif||||||||” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”16px” background_layout=”dark” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Accelerating protein expression for Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Pharma.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” height=”50px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Chapeau” module_id=”introduction” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#EDE8EC” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”25px||25px||true|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”PT Serif||||||||” text_text_color=”#4D1749″ text_font_size=”1.9em” text_line_height=”1.3em” text_font_size_tablet=”1.7em” text_font_size_phone=”1.6em” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Cell-free protein expression, also known as acellular protein expression, is an innovative technology based on the use of a reaction mix containing a cell extract that preserves the active transcription-translation machinery, an energy source, and the building blocks required for mRNA and protein assembly.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Premier descriptif (H1)” module_id=”introduction” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”40px||40px||true|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”PT Serif||||||||” text_text_color=”#4D1749″ text_font_size=”1.4em” text_line_height=”1.4em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Combining rapid expression, high experimental flexibility, and linear scale-up capacity, CFPS (Cell-Free Protein Synthesis)<\/b> has become an efficient solution to accelerate development cycles and reliably produce proteins in a scalable and adaptable way, from early screening phases to larger production volumes.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”PT Serif||||||||” text_text_color=”#4D1749″ text_font_size=”1.4em” text_line_height=”1.4em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Increasingly used in both fundamental research and biotechnology, this technology enables the study and production of proteins that are sometimes difficult to obtain using traditional heterologous systems, particularly in contexts such as genetic construct testing, expression of proteins potentially toxic to cells, structural biology, or functional studies.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”H2 \u00ab Qu\u2019est-ce que l\u2019expression cell-free de prot\u00e9ines? \u00bb” module_id=”introduction” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#EEEFF3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”PT Serif|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#4D1749″ header_2_font=”PT Serif|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” border_color_bottom=”#EEEFF3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

What is Cell-Free protein expression?<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#D2C6D2″ divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||40px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”PT Serif||||||||” text_text_color=”#4D1749″ text_font_size=”1.4em” text_line_height=”1.4em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Cell-free protein expression refers to a system in which protein synthesis occurs outside a living cell<\/strong>. The biological machinery required for transcription and translation is extracted from organisms (bacteria, yeast, insect cells, or mammalian cells) and used in vitro<\/strong> in a controlled reaction environment. This principle, often referred to as CFPS (Cell-Free Protein Synthesis)<\/strong> (see glossary), reproduces the fundamental steps of gene expression while eliminating constraints related to cell growth, viability, or cellular regulation.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”PT Serif||||||||” text_text_color=”#4D1749″ text_font_size=”1.4em” text_line_height=”1.4em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Used in both academic research and biotechnology, this innovative approach builds upon traditional heterologous expression systems while offering a flexible and adaptable experimental<\/strong> framework<\/strong> for protein production and analysis.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”H2 \u00ab Comment fonctionne un syst\u00e8me d\u2019expression acellulaire ? \u00bb” module_id=”introduction” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”PT Serif|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#4D1749″ header_2_font=”PT Serif|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”30px” border_color_bottom=”#EEEFF3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

How does a Cell-Free expression expression system work?<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color=”#D2C6D2″ divider_position=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||40px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”PT Serif|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#4D1749″ header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#4D1749″ header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” header_4_font=”PT Serif|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”20px” border_color_bottom=”#EEEFF3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

General principle of Cell-Free protein synthesis<\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”PT Serif||||||||” text_text_color=”#4D1749″ text_font_size=”1.4em” text_line_height=”1.4em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is based on a simple concept: using the cell\u2019s protein synthesis machinery without keeping the cell itself<\/strong>.
After cell lysis, the components required for gene expression remain active within a biological extract called a lysate<\/strong> or cell extract<\/strong>.
This extract is supplemented with an energy source, nucleotides, amino acids and optimized additives.
These elements allow the synthesis of mRNA and recombinant proteins<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”PT Serif||||||||” text_text_color=”#4D1749″ text_font_size=”1.4em” text_line_height=”1.4em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

In this optimized reaction environment, a DNA or RNA template encoding the protein of interest<\/strong> is directly added. The enzymes and cofactors present then perform the same steps as in living cells: gene reading, messenger RNA production, protein synthesis<\/p>\n

The system therefore functions like an \u201copen cell.\u201d<\/strong>
The biochemical environment is experimentally controlled and no longer depends on cell growth, enabling rapid access to protein production.<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Sch\u00e9ma – Target prot\u00e9ine” module_id=”introduction” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||0px||true|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px||0px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/synthelis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Scema-Cell-Free-Part1.jpg” alt=”Diagram Cell-Free Part1″ title_text=”Diagram Cell-Free Part1″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/synthelis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Scema-Cell-Free-Part2-1.jpg” alt=”Diagram Cell-Free Part2″ title_text=”Diagram Cell-Free Part2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”H3 \u00ab Transcription et traduction in vitro \u00bb” module_id=”introduction” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||40px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”PT Serif|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#4D1749″ header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#4D1749″ header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” header_4_font=”PT Serif|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”20px” border_color_bottom=”#EEEFF3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

In vitro <\/em>transcription and translation<\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”PT Serif||||||||” text_text_color=”#4D1749″ text_font_size=”1.4em” text_line_height=”1.4em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Once the genetic template is added, the reaction follows a sequence similar to natural gene expression:<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Transcription<\/b> : the DNA template is recognized by RNA polymerase, which synthesizes messenger RNA.<\/li>\n
  2. Translation initiation:<\/strong> the ribosome binds to the mRNA with initiation factors.<\/li>\n
  3. Elongation:<\/strong> tRNAs successively deliver amino acids corresponding to the encoded sequence.<\/li>\n
  4. Termination:<\/strong> the polypeptide chain is released.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”PT Serif||||||||” text_text_color=”#4D1749″ text_font_size=”1.4em” text_line_height=”1.4em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    All these steps occur in vitro, in an open system. In some cases, mRNA can be added directly<\/strong>, bypassing the transcription step.
    This acellular protein expression therefore enables rapid, observable, and tunable protein synthesis<\/strong>, a hallmark of CFPS systems.<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Sch\u00e9ma – Pr\u00e9paration du m\u00e9lange r\u00e9actionnel” module_id=”introduction” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_font_size=”15px” background_color=”#4D1749″ background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”10px||10px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    STEP 1 –<\/strong> PREPARATION OF THE REACTION MIXTURE<\/p>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/synthelis.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Schema-CF-ok.jpg” alt=”Schema-Principe-General-Cell-Free-Etape1″ title_text=”Schema-Principe-General-Cell-Free-Etape-EN” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”H3 \u00ab R\u00f4le des lysats cellulaires \u00bb” module_id=”introduction” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”0px||40px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” header_font=”PT Serif|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#4D1749″ header_3_font=”–et_global_body_font|700|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#4D1749″ header_3_font_size=”20px” header_3_line_height=”1.3em” header_4_font=”PT Serif|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”20px” border_color_bottom=”#EEEFF3″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    Role of cell lysates<\/h3>\n

    [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”PT Serif||||||||” text_text_color=”#4D1749″ text_font_size=”1.4em” text_line_height=”1.4em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

    The core of the system is composed of cell lysates<\/strong> (see glossary \u2013 lysate). These extracts are obtained after controlled disruption of cells (often E. coli, but also yeast, insect, or mammalian cells), in which the transcription-translation machinery remains functional.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    These lysates contain in particular:<\/p>\n