No training required: experimental tests support homology-based DNA assembly as a best practice in synthetic biology

The Registry of Standard Biological Parts imposes sequence constraints to enable DNA assembly using restriction enzymes. Alnahhas et al. (Journal of Biological Engineering 2014, 8:28) recently argued that these constraints should be revised because they impose an unnecessary burden on contributors that use homology-based assembly. To add to this debate, we tested four different homology-based methods, and found that students using these methods on their first attempt have a high probability of success. Because of their ease of use and high success rates, we believe that homology-based assembly is a best practice of Synthetic Biology, and recommend that the Registry implement the changes proposed by Alnahhas et al. to better support their use. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13036-015-0006-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.