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High-throughput droplet-based microfluidics for directed evolution of enzymes
Flora W Y Chiu1, Stavros Stavrakis1
1Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
Electrophoresis
|August 22, 2019
Summary
Directed evolution (DE) combined with droplet microfluidics enables rapid analysis of enzyme variants. This approach designs novel enzymes with tailored properties for industrial applications by mimicking natural selection.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Enzyme Engineering
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Natural enzymes are highly specific but rarely suitable for industrial use.
- Directed evolution (DE) mimics natural selection to engineer enzymes.
- Droplet-based microfluidics offers high-throughput analysis for enzyme optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in directed evolution (DE).
- To highlight microfluidic technologies for DE platforms.
- To discuss suitability for cell-based assays in enzyme engineering.
Main Methods:
- Integration of directed evolution with droplet-based microfluidics.
- Utilizing microfluidic unit operations for DE platforms.
- Application in high-throughput screening of enzyme variants.
Main Results:
- Enables detailed analysis of millions of enzyme variants.
- Facilitates design of novel enzymes with bespoke properties.
- Accelerates enzyme optimization for industrial demands.
Conclusions:
- DE and microfluidics are powerful tools for enzyme engineering.
- This combination addresses limitations of natural enzymes in industry.
- Microfluidic platforms enhance DE for high-throughput enzyme optimization.
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