Cell-Free Display Techniques for Protein Evolution

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) with flexibility and controllability can provide a powerful platform for high-throughput screening of biomolecules, especially in the evolution of peptides or proteins. In this chapter, the emerging strategies for enhancing the protein expression level using different source strains, energy systems, and template designs in constructing CFPS systems are summarized and discussed in detail. In addition, we provide an overview of the ribosome display, mRNA display, cDNA display, and CIS display in vitro display technologies, which can couple genotype and phenotype by forming fusion complexes. Moreover, we point out the trend that improving the protein yields of CFPS itself can offer more favorable conditions for maintaining library diversity and display efficiency. It is hoped that the novel CFPS system can accelerate the development of protein evolution in biotechnological and medical applications.