Exploring sequence space in search of functional enzymes using microfluidic droplets.

Exploring sequence space in search of functional enzymes using microfluidic droplets. Curr Opin Chem Biol. 2017 Apr 05;37:137-144 Authors: Mair P, Gielen F, Hollfelder F Abstract Screening of enzyme mutants in monodisperse picoliter compartments, generated at kilohertz speed in microfluidic devices, is coming of age. After a decade of proof-of-principle experiments, workflows have emerged that combine existing microfluidic modules to assay reaction progress quantitatively and yield improved enzymes. Recent examples of the screening of libraries of randomised proteins and from metagenomic sources suggest that this approach is not only faster and cheaper, but solves problems beyond the feasibility scope of current methodologies. The establishment of new assays in this format - so far covering hydrolases, aldolases, polymerases and dehydrogenases - will enable the exploration of sequence space for new catalysts of natural and non-natural chemical transformations. PMID: 28390246 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Current Opinion in Chemical Biology - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Tags: Curr Opin Chem Biol Source Type: research