New detection modes for droplet microfluidics

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This project is based on the idea that the classical test tube in experimental biology can be replaced by miniature water-in-oil droplets. The droplet is the equivalent of an ultra-small test tube. Droplet volumes are typically in the femto- to nanolitre range. Furthermore, up to 10e10 droplet reactors fit into a millilitre-sized tube. Importantly, an equivalent number of experiments can be carried out simultaneously. The key idea is that the droplet compartment combines the functional molecule with information on its identity and a readout of its function. Thus the droplet contains everything needed to assess and decode a particular experiment or profile a library member. This system is ideally suited for directed evolution, because genotype and phenotype are combined in the droplet. We have recently performed directed protein evolution in this format (Kintses, B. et al & Hollfelder, F. Chemistry & Biology 2012, 19(8):1001-9) and now propose to add another detection mode for assays that are based on generation of a chromophore, to allow a wider range of biological functions to be screened.