Cell viability, proliferation and outgrowth in picodroplets

Picodroplet technology is a transformative single cell analysis technique based on the rapid encapsulation of individual cells in miniaturized, picoliter-volume, water-in-oil droplets (picodroplets). Each picodroplet serves as a miniature test tube, providing the ability to screen single cells in their own microenvironment with increased precision and sensitivity. This format provides a uniquely protective environment to support cell viability and integrity during incubation, and shield cells against shear stress during subsequent analysis. In this application note, Sphere Fluidics demonstrates the feasibility and flexibility of using picodroplet technology for applications that involve prolonged incubation times. This technique can be used for a wide range of applications including identifying single cells that produce the highest antibody concentrations, isolating rare cells from large populations, and undertaking genome-editing analysis at the single cell level.