Nanoparticle-based Emulsifier for Droplet Microfluidics

Researchers at Stanford and the University of Alberta have developed fluorinated amphiphilic nanoparticles that can be used to create low-cost, stable, bio-compatible droplets for microfluidics-based digital PCR or other high-throughput screening applications. These nanoparticles are dispersible in a variety of fluorinated oils and have key advantages over conventional surfactant systems (Figure 1a). First, they are resistant to leakage and cross-contamination of small molecules between the drops (Figure 1b). In addition, they provide a rigid interface to enable the culture of adherent cells such as fibroblasts and breast cancer cells (Figure 1c). Finally, the non-adsorbing and non-denaturing interface preserves enzymatic activity occurring inside the drops (Figure 1d and 1e). This technology offers an inexpensive alternative to traditional surfactant system with features that could enable new applications for high-fidelity biochemical assays.

Figure 1. Fluorinated amphiphilic nanoparticles for high-fidelity droplet-based biochemical assays.

Stage of Research
The inventors synthesized the amphiphilic nanoparticles with various surface functional groups. They demonstrated low leakage, adherent cell growth and high enzyme activity.