About this Research Topic
The field of in vitro evolution has been significantly transformed by the introduction of water-in-oil droplets for biological engineering, a technique pioneered by Griffiths and Tawfik in 1998. This innovation has enabled scalable compartmentalization of biomolecules while preserving the crucial phenotype-genotype linkage. Early adaptations, such as those by the Holliger laboratory, demonstrated the potential of this method by challenging DNA polymerase variants to amplify their own genes, effectively mimicking natural evolutionary processes. Since then, a variety of droplet production and selection methods have been developed to cater to specific engineering objectives, ranging from protein traits to complex genetic circuits. Despite these advancements, researchers continue to grapple with reproducibility issues and the inherent complexities of wet-bench experiments, including chemical, physical, and biological challenges. Addressing these issues is essential for the continued progress and reliability of directed evolution techniques.
This research topic aims to foster a collaborative and open dialogue among researchers, encouraging them to share not only their successful outcomes but also the methods they employed to overcome experimental hurdles. By inviting authors to discuss the obstacles they encountered during their directed evolution processes, we aim to shed light on challenges such as chemical surfactant contamination, droplet or emulsion instability, and enzyme functionality loss in emulsions. This comprehensive approach will promote a deeper understanding of the technology and provide a valuable resource for the scientific community. Ultimately, our goal is to propel the field of directed evolution forward, unlocking its full potential for diverse applications in bioengineering, biotechnology, and beyond.
To gather further insights into the complexities and advancements in microdroplet-directed evolution, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Novel approaches for droplet generation
- Improved selection strategies
- Innovative techniques for detecting phenotypic changes
- Troubleshooting experiences and optimization strategies
- Case studies on overcoming chemical surfactant contamination
- Solutions for droplet or emulsion instability
- Methods to maintain enzyme functionality in emulsions
- Applications of directed evolution in bioengineering and biotechnology
By sharing these insights, we aim to create a comprehensive and collaborative resource that will drive the field of directed evolution to new heights.
Conflict of Interest:
Steven Bischoff is an inventor on various patents and patent applications that describe gene editing and genome engineering technologies and bioreagents including the use of engineered DNA polymerases generated via emulsion PCR and directed evolution for genotyping of genetically modified animal models and cell lines. Also is the founder of NovoHelix, and a co-founder of the Foundry for Genome Engineering and Reproductive Medicine (FGERM).
Jimmy Gollihar has filed and granted patent applications for methods using emulsion-based directed evolution platforms and proteins derived from them.
Roberto Laos is an inventor in patents related to DNA polymerases and has filed a patent for fluids that can be used in directed evolution. Also is the founder of Panamerican Biolabs, a LLC company that seeks to commercialize DNA polymerases and fluids needed for directed evolution platforms.
This research topic aims to foster a collaborative and open dialogue among researchers, encouraging them to share not only their successful outcomes but also the methods they employed to overcome experimental hurdles. By inviting authors to discuss the obstacles they encountered during their directed evolution processes, we aim to shed light on challenges such as chemical surfactant contamination, droplet or emulsion instability, and enzyme functionality loss in emulsions. This comprehensive approach will promote a deeper understanding of the technology and provide a valuable resource for the scientific community. Ultimately, our goal is to propel the field of directed evolution forward, unlocking its full potential for diverse applications in bioengineering, biotechnology, and beyond.
To gather further insights into the complexities and advancements in microdroplet-directed evolution, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Novel approaches for droplet generation
- Improved selection strategies
- Innovative techniques for detecting phenotypic changes
- Troubleshooting experiences and optimization strategies
- Case studies on overcoming chemical surfactant contamination
- Solutions for droplet or emulsion instability
- Methods to maintain enzyme functionality in emulsions
- Applications of directed evolution in bioengineering and biotechnology
By sharing these insights, we aim to create a comprehensive and collaborative resource that will drive the field of directed evolution to new heights.
Conflict of Interest:
Steven Bischoff is an inventor on various patents and patent applications that describe gene editing and genome engineering technologies and bioreagents including the use of engineered DNA polymerases generated via emulsion PCR and directed evolution for genotyping of genetically modified animal models and cell lines. Also is the founder of NovoHelix, and a co-founder of the Foundry for Genome Engineering and Reproductive Medicine (FGERM).
Jimmy Gollihar has filed and granted patent applications for methods using emulsion-based directed evolution platforms and proteins derived from them.
Roberto Laos is an inventor in patents related to DNA polymerases and has filed a patent for fluids that can be used in directed evolution. Also is the founder of Panamerican Biolabs, a LLC company that seeks to commercialize DNA polymerases and fluids needed for directed evolution platforms.
Keywords: Directed evolution, phenotype-genotype, microfluidics, emulsions, compartmentalization
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