Systems and methods for encapsulation and multi-step processing of biological samples
US11860076B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12Q1/6806
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention relates to methods and systems for isolation of species in semi-permeable capsules and processing of encapsulated species through series of steps and/or reactions. To produce capsules, first aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) droplets are generated using microfluidics system and then the hydrogel shell layer is hardened by inducing polymerization. As exemplified in this invention to achieve concentric ATPS droplet formation density-matched PEGDA and Dextran polymer solutions can be used. Once a capsule is formed, its composition can be changed by adding new reagents or replacing out old ones (e.g. by resuspending capsules in desired aqueous solution). The hydrogel shell of semi-permeable capsules can be dissolved at selected step during multi-step procedures in order to release the encapsulated species. The present invention exemplifies the isolation of individual cells within capsules and using the encapsulated cells for genotypic and phenotypic analysis. Finally, the present invention also exemplifies the use of capsules in multi-step procedures to perform complex biological reactions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.