New publication: Refolding of β-galactosidase: microfluidic device for reagent metering and mixing and quantification of refolding yield
Refolding of β-galactosidase: microfluidic device for reagent metering and mixing and quantification of refolding yield
Sowmya Kondapalli and Brian J. Kirby
Microfluidics and Nanofluidics
Volume 7, Number 2 (2009), 275-281, DOI: 10.1007/s10404-008-0388-z
Abstract
We have developed a device that uses microfluidic valves and pumps to meter reagents for subsequent mixing with application to refolding of the protein β-galactosidase. The microfluidic approach offers the potential advantages of automation, cost-effectiveness, compatibility with optical detection, and reduction in sample volumes as opposed to conventional techniques of hand-pipetting or using robotic systems. The device is a multi-layered poly(dimethylsiloxane) on glass device with automated controls for reagent aliquoting and mixing. Refolding experiments have been performed off-chip using existing protocols on the protein β-galactosidase and the refolding yield has been quantified on-chip using fluorescein di-β-d-galactopyranoside, a caged-fluorescent molecule. This work provides the potential to reduce the cost of drug discovery and realization of protein pharmaceuticals.