Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is a versatile tool for rapid recombinant protein production and engineering. One drawback of cell-free technology is the necessity to store the major components-cell extracts and energy systems-below freezing in bulky aqueous solutions. Here we describe simple methods for lyophilizing extracts and preparing powdered energy systems for CFPS. These techniques allow for high-density storage of cell-free systems that are more robust against temperature and bacterial degradation. Our methods have the potential to decrease storage expenses, allow for longer shelf-life of cell extracts at room temperature, and enable durable portable protein production technologies.
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