Non-Optical Methods for High Speed Protein Control

DARPA’s Biological Technologies Office is seeking innovative, post‑competitive solutions that enable rapid, repeatable, non‑optogenetic control of protein activity using mass‑less external signals such as magnetic fields or focused ultrasound. The goal is to create a modular protein domain that can be switched on/off in ≤2 seconds, sustain ≥300 activation/deactivation cycles in living cells, and function in both split‑protein and allosteric configurations, thereby providing a plug‑and‑play tool for synthetic‑biology platforms. Interested parties may submit existing award‑able solution videos or upload new solution videos to the ERIS marketplace during the designated shopping window. • Performance metrics: ≤2‑second activation/deactivation, ≥300 cycles, compatible with split‑protein and allosteric designs. • Funding: Approx. $400 k for a 12‑month effort, awarded to an awardable solution identified during the assessment period. • Submission process: Upload video to ERIS portal (June–December 2026) and notify [email protected] with title and submission date; existing solutions may be flagged directly via email. • No changes to scope, budget, or requirements beyond clarifying the notice deadline; the opportunity remains a market‑research “shopping” notice rather than a formal RFP.