FACS sorting droplets: Expression assays in double emulsions using the Dolomite µEncapsulator
Single cell analysis coupled with FACS enables our customers to increase throughput, lower costs and improve the quality of their assays. Single cell analysis is key in identifying population heterogeneity, highlighting crucial sub-populations along with discovering novel characteristics of individual cells.
The Dolomite µEncapsulator system facilitates single cell encapsulation into droplets ready for fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) processing. Recently, we have carried out a proof of concept study showing the encapsulation of a fluorophore: Rhodamine in water-in-oil-in-water droplets. The fluorophore was encapsulated at two different concentrations: 0.5 and 5 µg/ml in the presence of an enzyme eliciting reduction of ATP. We report a change in fluorescence activity during FACS sorting by a 10-fold increase as the fluorophore concentration increases. FACS can recognise and sort the signal within the droplet with a good degree of separation between positives and negatives.
Find out how you can use droplet microfluidics to streamline your assays for better and faster results: