Abstract: Provided herein are core-shell microcapsules useful for compartmentalizing biological molecules in solution. Also provided are processes for manufacturing core-shell microcapsules and methods for using core-shell microcapsules to compartmentalize and optionally process biological entities and molecules.

Abstract: This 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. 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 to release the encapsulated species. This invention exemplifies isolation of individual cells within capsules and using the encapsulated cells for genotypic and phenotypic analysis.

Abstract: The instrument for processing microscopic particles may include a combination of modules integrated into a functional system. The system may be composed of synchronized subsystems including pneumatic modules, fluorometers, multi-wavelength lasers, dual view microscopy, high-voltage generators and other subsystems designed to analyze and control microfluidic processes occurring on a chip. The system performs the combined functions of microfluidic particle generation, analysis, and selection, making it possible for the user to create custom integrated workflows for molecular and cell biology processing. Creating the integrated platform requires an innovative and multi-disciplinary approach for module mechanical integration, electronic synchronization and user interface design for controlling diverse microfluidic processes at high speed.

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.

Abstract: Provided herein are core-shell microcapsules useful for compartmentalizing biological molecules in solution. Also provided are processes for manufacturing core-shell microcapsules and methods for using core-shell microcapsules to compartmentalize and optionally process biological entities and molecules.

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.