Vilnius University

Harvard College

The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.

Eth 7lirich

Droplet Genomics

Linas Mazutis

David A Weitz

Jonathan N Thon

Joseph Italiano

Marc W Kirschner

Allon Moshe Klein

Greta Stonyte

Ilke Akartuna

Arvydas Janulaitis

Karolis Leonavicius

Donald Hilvert

Rapolas Zilionis

Ausra Zelvyte

Vaidotas Kiseliovas

Robertas Galinis

Sabine Studer

Joseph E Italiano

The present invention relates to methods and systems for isolation of species in semi-permeable capsules and processing of encapsulated species through series of steps and/or reactions. To produce capsules, first aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) droplets are generated using microfluidics system and then the hydrogel shell layer is hardened by inducing polymerization. As exemplified in this invention to achieve concentric ATPS droplet formation density-matched PEGDA and Dextran polymer solutions can be used. Once a capsule is formed, its composition can be changed by adding new reagents or replacing out old ones (e.g. by resuspending capsules in desired aqueous solution). The hydrogel shell of semi-permeable capsules can be dissolved at selected step during multi-step procedures in order to release the encapsulated species. The present invention exemplifies the isolation of individual cells within capsules and using the encapsulated cells for genotypic and phenotypic analysis. Finally, the present invention also exemplifies the use of capsules in multi-step procedures to perform complex biological reactions.

Systems and methods for encapsulation and multi-step processing of biological samples

A system and method are provided for harvesting target biological substances. The system includes a substrate and a first and second channel formed in the substrate. The channels longitudinally extending substantially parallel to each other. A series of gaps extend from the first channel to the second channel to create a fluid communication path passing between a series of columns with the columns being longitudinally separated by a predetermined separation distance. The system also includes a first source configured to selectively introduce into the first channel a first biological composition at a first channel flow rate and a second source configured to selectively introduce into the second channel a second biological composition at a second channel flow rate. The sources are configured to create a differential between the first and second channel flow rates to generate physiological shear rates along the second channel that are bounded within a predetermined range.

System and method for a biomimetic fluid processing

Systems and methods generating physiologic models that can produce functional biological substances are provided. In some aspects, a system includes a substrate and a first and second channel formed therein. The channels extend longitudinally and are substantially parallel to each other. A series of apertures extend between the first channel and second channel to create a fluid communication path passing through columns separating the channels that extends further along the longitudinal dimension than other dimensions. The system also includes a first source configured to selectively introduce into the first channel a first biological composition at a first channel flow rate and a second source configured to selectively introduce into the second channel a second biological composition at a second channel flow rate, wherein the first channel flow rate and the second channel flow rate create a differential configured to generate physiological shear rates within a predetermined range in the channels.

Systems and methods for biomimetic fluid processing

Disclosed is a system and method for production of DNA particles and use thereof. The DNA particles can be produced by amplification of nucleic acid molecule(s). Alternatively, DNA particles can be prepared by condensing multiple DNA molecules. The DNA condensation into a particle is mainly triggered by pyrophosphate and positively charged cations (e.g. magnesium). DNA particles can be applied for numerous biological applications but not limited to directed evolution, proteomics, drug delivery and imaging. DNA particles can be used to synthesize proteins using in vitro transcription/translation reaction.

System and method for synthesis of DNA particles and use thereof

The present invention generally relates to microfluidics and labeled nucleic acids. For example, certain aspects are generally directed to systems and methods for labeling nucleic acids within microfluidic droplets. In one set of embodiments, the nucleic acids may include 'barcodes' or unique sequences that can be used to distinguish nucleic acids in a droplet from those in another droplet, for instance, even after the nucleic acids are pooled together. In some cases, the unique sequences may be incorporated into individual droplets using particles and attached to nucleic acids contained within the droplets (for example, released from lysed cells). In some cases, the barcodes may be used to distinguish tens, hundreds, or even thousands of nucleic acids, e.g., arising from different cells or other sources.

Systems and methods for barcoding nucleic acids

System and method for biomimetic fluid processing

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Boston, MA, United States of America

Linas Mazutis