An Automated Single-Cell Droplet-Digital Microfluidic Platform for Monoclonal Antibody Discovery

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Microfluidics
• Immunology

Background:

• Monoclonal antibody (mAb) discovery is crucial for diagnostics and therapeutics.
• Droplet microfluidics enables high-throughput screening of antibody-producing cells.
• Current methods face challenges with in-droplet washing and media exchange.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an improved droplet microfluidics platform for monoclonal antibody discovery.
• To enable on-demand co-encapsulation and efficient in-droplet washing and media exchange.
• To enhance the identification of high-performing or rare antibody-producing hybridoma cells.

Main Methods:

• Development of a new droplet microfluidics system for on-demand cell co-encapsulation.
• Implementation of streamlined in-droplet washing and fresh media addition capabilities.
• Utilizing antibody-characterization assays for screening and selection of hybridoma cells.

Main Results:

• The new platform successfully performs on-demand co-encapsulation of cells within droplets.
• Efficient washing and media exchange steps were achieved without compromising cell viability or assay performance.
• The system facilitates the identification of hybridoma cells expressing antibodies of interest.

Conclusions:

• The developed droplet microfluidics method offers a streamlined approach for monoclonal antibody discovery.
• This technology addresses key limitations in existing droplet-based screening platforms.
• The platform is effective for identifying potent or rare antibody candidates for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.