Droplet-based single-cell sequencing: Strategies and applications

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Genomics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Single-cell omics technologies offer high-resolution insights into cellular heterogeneity.
• Droplet microfluidics are key for high-throughput, cost-effective, and automated single-cell sequencing.
• Advancements enable deeper understanding of complex biological systems and diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of droplet microfluidics-assisted omics methods from a single-cell perspective.
• To introduce strategies for droplet microfluidics in genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.
• To discuss current applications and future perspectives of droplet-based single-cell sequencing.

Main Methods:

• Review of droplet microfluidic strategies for single-cell analysis.
• Exploration of applications in genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.
• Analysis of mono- and multi-omics sequencing patterns using droplet technology.

Main Results:

• Droplet microfluidics significantly improve throughput, cost-effectiveness, and automation in single-cell research.
• The technology enables detailed profiling of individual cells within droplets.
• Applications span various omics fields, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics.

Conclusions:

• Droplet microfluidics are pivotal for advancing single-cell omics research.
• The technology facilitates comprehensive analysis of cellular heterogeneity.
• Future perspectives include broader foundational research and commercial applications.