Micro segmented-flow in biochemical and cell-based assays.
Micro-segmented flow (e.g. in microfluidic channels, capillaries or a length of tubing) has become a promising technique in modern biology. Compared to conventional formats such as microtiter plates, sample volumes can be reduced about 1000-fold, thus allowing a massive reduction of assay costs and the use of samples available in low quantities, only (e.g. primary cells). Furthermore, assays can be highly parallelized and performed at superb spatio-temporal resolution. Here, we review the state-of-the-art in micro-segmented flow as applied in biochemical, cell- and multicellular organisms-based assays. We discuss likely future applications such as single cell / single organism proteomics and transcriptomics and point out the specific advantages and limitations compared to emulsion-based (droplet-based) approaches.
Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncologicas, C/ Melchor Fernandez Almagro 3, Madrid, 28029 Spain.
Jenifer
J
Clausell-Tormos
Christoph A
CA
Merten
D000465:Algorithms; D002384:Catalysis; D003460:Crystallization; D019075:Electrophoresis, Capillary; D004798:Enzymes / Q000378:metabolism; D007700:Kinetics; D044085:Microfluidics / Q000379:methods
D004798:Enzymes