Ultra-high throughput microdroplet screening system

Microdroplet-based screening involves encapsulating single cells or encoding DNA libraries with in vitro transcription/translation (IVTT) reagents in picoliter-sized water-in-oil droplets. These droplets are generated at rates of thousands per second using a microfluidic device. Each droplet functions as an individual microreactor, linking the phenotype to its genotype. After collection and incubation, the droplets are sorted based on their fluorescence signals, often using fluorescence-activated droplet sorting (FADS). This method allows for ultra-high throughput screening of enzymes with desired characteristics from metagenomic or gene mutation libraries.

Our lab is establishing and optimizing this microdroplet screening system and developing new methodologies to enhance it. This microdroplet screening platform will be a valuable resource for discovery and engineering efforts at NEB.