New opportunities for optimal design of dynamic experiments in systems and synthetic biology

Recently developed dynamic experimental techniques offer new opportunities for the use of model-based experimental design in the construction and refinement of predictive models of cellular behaviour. Specifically, novel optogenetic and microfluidic tools have been made accessible by the distribution of low-cost, automated hardware designs that rely on readily available components and inexpensive construction processes. Experimental design methods can be applied to these platforms to identify time-varying input signals that generate maximally informative system responses. We review these developments and illustrate how the convergence of these approaches facilitates the construction of accurate biological models of both natural and engineered cellular systems.