High-throughput droplet-based microfluidics for directed evolution of enzymes

Open access
Date
2019-11Type
- Review Article
Citations
Cited 27 times in
Web of Science
Cited 30 times in
Scopus
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
Natural enzymes have evolved over millions of years to allow for their effective operation within specific environments. However, it is significant to note that despite their wide structural and chemical diversity, relatively few natural enzymes have been successfully applied to industrial processes. To address this limitation, directed evolution (DE) (a method that mimics the process of natural selection to evolve proteins toward a user‐defined goal) coupled with droplet‐based microfluidics allows the detailed analysis of millions of enzyme variants on ultra‐short timescales, and thus the design of novel enzymes with bespoke properties. In this review, we aim at presenting the development of DE over the last years and highlighting the most important advancements in droplet‐based microfluidics, made in this context towards the high‐throughput demands of enzyme optimization. Specifically, an overview of the range of microfluidic unit operations available for the construction of DE platforms is provided, focusing on their suitability and benefits for cell‐based assays, as in the case of directed evolution experimentations. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000365015Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
ElectrophoresisVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
WileySubject
directed evolution; droplet-based microfluidics; high throughput screening; protein engineering; single-cellOrganisational unit
03914 - deMello, Andrew / deMello, Andrew
Funding
176011 - Advanced Droplet-Based Technologies for Engineering Dynamic Elements in Proteins (SNF)
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Show all metadata
Citations
Cited 27 times in
Web of Science
Cited 30 times in
Scopus
ETH Bibliography
yes
Altmetrics