Single-Cell Multiomic Analysis Through Droplet Microfluidics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sequencing technologies and products face limitations in incorporating high-resolution views of DNA, RNA, and proteins in individual cells and their spatial arrangement, hindering advanced clinical diagnostics and therapeutic development.
Innovation Solution
A device and kit for multiomic analysis providing high-resolution views of biology at the single cell and tissue level, capable of measuring RNA transcription, protein expression, and sequence-specific information through in situ detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current sequencing technologies are used, then genomic data can be obtained, but high-resolution spatial arrangement and single-cell level detail are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the biological sample into individual cells using microfluidic channels and droplet generation, enabling single-cell resolution analysis. Each cell is isolated in a separate reaction compartment, allowing precise spatial and cellular-level measurement of genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data without requiring complex imaging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple analytical functions (sequencing, transcriptomics, proteomics, spatial analysis) into a single unified platform. This multi-functional approach achieves high-resolution spatial and single-cell measurements without proportionally increasing device complexity, as all functions share common microfluidic infrastructure and detection systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple omic layers are analyzed simultaneously, then comprehensive biological insight is achieved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges genomic sequencing, transcriptomic profiling, and proteomic detection into a single integrated workflow. Multiple omic layers are analyzed simultaneously within the same physical sample using shared reagents and detection channels, achieving comprehensive multiomic capability while avoiding the need for separate complex instruments for each analysis type.
Solution Approach 2:
The device adds a spatial dimension to traditional multiomic analysis by incorporating spatial information into the measurement process. This dimensional enhancement allows simultaneous extraction of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and spatial data from the same sample location, increasing versatility without requiring separate bulk analysis systems.
3Measurement precision
If single-cell resolution is achieved, then cellular heterogeneity is resolved, but sample throughput and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses droplet-based microfluidics to create thousands of identical physical copies (droplets) of the same reagent mixtures and reaction conditions. Each droplet serves as an independent single-cell analysis unit, allowing parallel processing of many cells simultaneously. This copying approach maintains single-cell resolution while dramatically increasing throughput by analyzing hundreds of cells in parallel rather than sequentially.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein, inter alia, are devices, compositions, kits, and methods for interrogating biological samples.