Lab-In-A-Box
Putting Local Franchise Labs & Tools In Communities Around The World
The Lab-In-A-Box initiative by MycoDAO introduces a groundbreaking franchise model designed to democratize fungal science and biotechnology. These mobile, modular laboratories provide communities, researchers, and educational institutions with essential tools—including DNA sequencing, culturing flowhoods, microscopy, automated fungal cultivation, and advanced tissue storage.
The Plan
Deploy Regional Prototypes
Establish initial Lab-In-A-Box prototypes across key locations in California, starting with environmentally critical areas.
Community Engagement
Facilitate community participation and education by integrating local stakeholders and citizen scientists through workshops and collaborative research.
Global Expansion
Scale the Lab-In-A-Box franchise model globally, offering standardized facilities and resources to support decentralized fungal research worldwide.
Overview
Franchise Lab Model
Each LAB-IN-A-BOX functions as an autonomous research franchise, strategically placed in various locations to maximize accessibility and community engagement. These labs support decentralized research initiatives by offering standardized, advanced mycological research capabilities without the need for extensive fixed infrastructure. Franchise operators benefit from MycoDAO's support network, expertise, and proprietary fungal strains, alongside shared revenues and resources, incentivizing participation and innovation.First Lab Prototypes: California The first LAB-IN-A-BOX prototypes are being deployed across California, starting in regions including San Diego and Imperial Beach. These initial labs serve as pilot projects, showcasing the efficacy and potential of fungal biotechnology in real-world settings such as the bioremediation of the heavily polluted Tijuana Estuary. These prototypes will provide critical data and proof of concept to enable scalability and global replication.
First Lab Prototypes
California The first LAB-IN-A-BOX prototypes are being deployed across California, starting in regions including San Diego and Imperial Beach. These initial labs serve as pilot projects, showcasing the efficacy and potential of fungal biotechnology in real-world settings such as the bioremediation of the heavily polluted Tijuana Estuary. These prototypes will provide critical data and proof of concept to enable scalability and global replication.
Execution and Technologies
Tools and Capabilities
Each LAB-IN-A-BOX is fully equipped with:
DNA Sequencing
Illumina MiSeq i100 sequencer for rapid DNA barcoding and genetic characterization of fungal samples.
Culturing Flow Hoods
HEPA-filtered laminar flow hoods providing sterile environments to prevent contamination and ensure integrity during fungal culturing processes.
Tissue Storage
Specialized cold storage units (refrigerators and freezers) for long-term preservation of fungal tissues and spores.
Microscopy Suite
High-resolution microscopes with imaging software for detailed morphological analysis of spores and hyphal structures.
DNA Sequencing Station
PCR machines and gel electrophoresis equipment for rapid DNA barcoding and genomic sequencing to identify fungal species accurately.
Automated Cultivation Equipment
Tecan automated petri dish handlers for precise and high-throughput fungal culturing, significantly increasing lab productivity.
Environmental Data Integration
IoT sensors measuring temperature, humidity, CO2, and other environmental metrics, integrated with Mycosoft’s Mycorrhizae Protocol for automated, real-time data capture and upload to the MINDEX database.
Bioreactor Systems
Equipment for fungal fermentation and extraction of metabolites, enabling the practical deployment of fungi for environmental remediation and pharmaceutical research.
DNA Sequencing Station
Illumina DNA sequencers for rapid on-site DNA barcoding and genomic studies, crucial for the identification and validation of fungal strains.
Customizable Modules
Optional advanced modules such as CRISPR gene-editing tools and specialized extraction systems for bioactive compounds, available for advanced research applications.
Community and Educational Impact
Each franchise lab includes comprehensive educational and training modules, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and community engagement programs designed to empower local participants through workshops, citizen science initiatives, and collaboration with academic institutions. LAB-IN-A-BOX thus serves as both a scientific asset and a community education hub, promoting widespread adoption and understanding of fungal biotechnology.
Outcomes and Benefits
• Enhanced community-based scientific literacy and engagement through accessible, decentralized lab facilities.
• Accelerated advancements in fungal biotechnology, environmental restoration, and biodiversity research by leveraging standardized, high-quality data collection and analysis.
• Creation of sustainable economic opportunities through regional franchise ownership and innovative fungal-based solutions addressing local and global environmental challenges.
• Through the Lab-In-A-Box initiative, MycoDAO aims to foster decentralized, accessible, and impactful fungal science, accelerating environmental restoration, biodiversity research, and innovative biotechnology applications worldwide.
Timeline
Phase 1 (6 Mo)
1. Deploy prototype labs strategically across key sites in California, focusing initially on the Tijuana Estuary and Imperial Beach area to support local bioremediation and research initiatives.
2. Establish baseline operational procedures, conduct community engagement workshops, and validate the functionality and impact of LAB-IN-A-BOX prototypes.
Phase 2 (6-12 Mo)
1. Evaluate early outcomes, refine lab operations based on initial feedback, and expand the LAB-IN-A-BOX presence across additional regions within North America.
2. Strengthen partnerships with academic institutions, environmental groups, and local communities to enhance regional biotechnological capabilities and research collaboration.
Phase 3 (6-18 Mo)
1. Broaden the franchise model beyond North America, targeting environmentally critical regions worldwide.
2. Implement standardized training modules and operational guidelines to maintain consistency and quality across all locations.
3. Establish partnerships with international research institutions, mycological projects and governmental agencies to integrate LAB-IN-A-BOX into broader global bioremediation and biodiversity conservation program
Project Partners
Do you have a project that needs our support?
If you are a mycologist, mushroom farmer, biologist or are interested in working on some fungi science, reach out to us and submit a proposal!
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