Creation of libraries of droplets and related species

Abstract

The present invention is generally related to systems and methods for producing a plurality of droplets. The droplets may contain varying species, e.g., for use as a library. In some cases, the fluidic droplets may be rigidified to form rigidified droplets (e.g., gel droplets). In certain embodiments, the droplets may undergo a phase change (e.g., from rigidified droplets to fluidized droplets), as discussed more herein. In some cases, a species may be added internally to a droplet by exposing the droplet to a fluid comprising a plurality of species.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 098,674, filed Sep. 19, 2008, entitled “Creation of Libraries of Droplets and Related Species,” by Weitz, et al., herein incorporated by reference.GOVERNMENT FUNDING[0002]This invention was made with government support under DMR-0602684 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.FIELD OF INVENTION[0003]The present invention is generally related to systems and methods for producing a plurality of droplets. The droplets may contain varying species, e.g., for use as a library. The droplets may be rigidified and / or fluidized, in some cases.BACKGROUND[0004]Various technologies have been developed that allow production of “libraries” of synthetic compounds (e.g., pharmaceutical agents, inhibitors, etc.) or nucleic acid probes, etc. A library of synthetic compounds may be used to screen for a target analyte molecule (e.g., an...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]Other advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. In cases where the present specification and a document incorporated by reference include conflicting and / or inconsistent disclosure, the present specification shall control. If two or more documents incorporated by reference include conflicting and / or inconsistent disclosure with respect to each other, then the document having the later effective date shall control.

Problems solved by technology

Although current libraries are valuable, commercially-available resources useful in the search to identify new compounds with desirable activities, there are practical difficulties (e.g., cost, time, equipment, etc.) associated with the preparation, storage, and use of current technologies.

Images