Recent Advances in Antibody Discovery Using Ultrahigh-Throughput Droplet Microfluidics: Challenges and Future Perspectives

Droplet microfluidics has emerged as a transformative technology that can substantially increase the throughput of antibody “hit” discovery. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in this dynamic field, focusing primarily on the technological and methodological innovati...

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Main Authors: Dhiman Das, John Scott McGrath, John Hudson Moore, Jason Gardner, Daniël Blom
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Biosensors
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6374/15/7/409
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author Dhiman Das
John Scott McGrath
John Hudson Moore
Jason Gardner
Daniël Blom
author_facet Dhiman Das
John Scott McGrath
John Hudson Moore
Jason Gardner
Daniël Blom
author_sort Dhiman Das
collection DOAJ
description Droplet microfluidics has emerged as a transformative technology that can substantially increase the throughput of antibody “hit” discovery. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in this dynamic field, focusing primarily on the technological and methodological innovations that have enhanced the antibody discovery process. This investigation starts with the fundamental principles of droplet microfluidics, emphasizing its unique capabilities for precisely controlling and manipulating picoliter-volume droplets. This discussion extends to various assay types employed in droplet microfluidics, including binding assays, functional assays, Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) assays, internalization assays, and neutralization assays, each offering distinct advantages for antibody screening and characterization. A critical examination of methods to improve droplet encapsulation is presented, besides addressing challenges such as reducing the leakage of small molecules from droplets and explaining what a “hit” droplet looks like. Furthermore, we assess design considerations essential for implementing high-throughput fluorescence-activated droplet sorting (FADS) workstations and emphasize the need for automation. This review also delves into the evolving commercial landscape, identifying key market players and emerging industry trends. This review paper aims to catalyze further research and innovation, ultimately advancing the field towards more efficient and robust solutions for antibody identification and development.
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spelling doaj-art-bcd7b386948149fea514df2db8acaf722025-08-20T03:58:25ZengMDPI AGBiosensors2079-63742025-06-0115740910.3390/bios15070409Recent Advances in Antibody Discovery Using Ultrahigh-Throughput Droplet Microfluidics: Challenges and Future PerspectivesDhiman Das0John Scott McGrath1John Hudson Moore2Jason Gardner3Daniël Blom4Ampersand Biomedicines Inc., Southline Suite 3A, 135 William T. Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125, USAAmpersand Biomedicines Inc., Southline Suite 3A, 135 William T. Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125, USAAmpersand Biomedicines Inc., Southline Suite 3A, 135 William T. Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125, USAAmpersand Biomedicines Inc., Southline Suite 3A, 135 William T. Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125, USAAmpersand Biomedicines Inc., Southline Suite 3A, 135 William T. Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125, USADroplet microfluidics has emerged as a transformative technology that can substantially increase the throughput of antibody “hit” discovery. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in this dynamic field, focusing primarily on the technological and methodological innovations that have enhanced the antibody discovery process. This investigation starts with the fundamental principles of droplet microfluidics, emphasizing its unique capabilities for precisely controlling and manipulating picoliter-volume droplets. This discussion extends to various assay types employed in droplet microfluidics, including binding assays, functional assays, Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) assays, internalization assays, and neutralization assays, each offering distinct advantages for antibody screening and characterization. A critical examination of methods to improve droplet encapsulation is presented, besides addressing challenges such as reducing the leakage of small molecules from droplets and explaining what a “hit” droplet looks like. Furthermore, we assess design considerations essential for implementing high-throughput fluorescence-activated droplet sorting (FADS) workstations and emphasize the need for automation. This review also delves into the evolving commercial landscape, identifying key market players and emerging industry trends. This review paper aims to catalyze further research and innovation, ultimately advancing the field towards more efficient and robust solutions for antibody identification and development.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6374/15/7/409antibody discoverydroplet microfluidicsFADSbinding assayFRET assayinternalization assay
spellingShingle Dhiman Das
John Scott McGrath
John Hudson Moore
Jason Gardner
Daniël Blom
Recent Advances in Antibody Discovery Using Ultrahigh-Throughput Droplet Microfluidics: Challenges and Future Perspectives
Biosensors
antibody discovery
droplet microfluidics
FADS
binding assay
FRET assay
internalization assay
title Recent Advances in Antibody Discovery Using Ultrahigh-Throughput Droplet Microfluidics: Challenges and Future Perspectives
title_full Recent Advances in Antibody Discovery Using Ultrahigh-Throughput Droplet Microfluidics: Challenges and Future Perspectives
title_fullStr Recent Advances in Antibody Discovery Using Ultrahigh-Throughput Droplet Microfluidics: Challenges and Future Perspectives
title_full_unstemmed Recent Advances in Antibody Discovery Using Ultrahigh-Throughput Droplet Microfluidics: Challenges and Future Perspectives
title_short Recent Advances in Antibody Discovery Using Ultrahigh-Throughput Droplet Microfluidics: Challenges and Future Perspectives
title_sort recent advances in antibody discovery using ultrahigh throughput droplet microfluidics challenges and future perspectives
topic antibody discovery
droplet microfluidics
FADS
binding assay
FRET assay
internalization assay
url https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6374/15/7/409
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