Droplet encapsulated vesicles as model system for biochemical reactions in cellular compartments

Abstract

We present a novel model system to study the inner compartmentalization of cells using a droplet microfluidic based approach. A microfluidic device enables the generation of droplets with encapsulated giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), and integrated traps allows for immobilizing and examination of the droplets by optical or fluorescence microscopy. Droplets as well as GUVs can be loaded with reagents and enzymes to perform and study compartmentalized biochemical reactions.