| abstract |
The present invention relates generally to the use of droplets to culture and/or assay cells or other species. In some cases, the cells or other species may be sorted based upon the results of the culture and/or assay. In some embodiments, cells other species can be encapsulated in droplets and exposed to one or more agents (e.g., a sugar, an indicator dye, etc.). For instance, in some cases, exposure of cells to the agents may result in the production of metabolites or other compounds (e.g., amino acids, proteins, organic acids, etc.) which may be, for example, assayed or otherwise determined. In some embodiments, the reaction of an agent with cells and/or other species within a droplet may reveal a property of the cells or other species (e.g., sugar consumption, growth rate, ability to withstand exposure to the agent, etc.). As an example, cells that produce desired metabolites or exhibit certain properties may be separated from the other cells via sorting techniques. Other aspects of the invention relate to devices or kits for implementing such sorts, methods of promoting such techniques, or the like. |