Droplet Genomics, Uab

Vilnius University

Harvard College

Eth Zurich

Linas Mazutis

David A Weitz

Marc W Kirschner

Arvydas Janulaitis

Allon Moshe Klein

Karolis Leonavicius

Greta Stonyte

Ilke Akartuna

Vaidotas Kiseliovas

Rapolas Zilionis

Ausra Zelvyte

Jonas Gasparavicius

Juozas Nainys

Donald Hilvert

Giedrius Zolubas

Greta Ruksnaityte

Andrius Sinkunas

Duygucan Gul

Vaida Kurmauskaite

Ignas Ragaisis

This 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. 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 to release the encapsulated species. This invention exemplifies isolation of individual cells within capsules and using the encapsulated cells for genotypic and phenotypic analysis. This invention also exemplifies use of capsules in multi-step procedures to perform complex biological reactions.

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

Provided herein are core-shell microcapsules useful for compartmentalizing biological molecules in solution. Also provided are processes for manufacturing core-shell microcapsules and methods for using core-shell microcapsules to compartmentalize and optionally process biological entities and molecules.

Core-shell microcapsules, manufacturing processes and uses

Growing community of inventors

Vilnius, Lithuania

Linas Mazutis