Disrupting the global market for high value, gene-edited cell products and services with microfluidic technology

Genetic engineering (GE) is an established tool for R&D and promises to become a globally used approach to correct and treat important diseases, such as cancer and genetic disease, and also able to tackle and solve important environmental issues. Current approaches are dependent upon manual labour and extensive screening, and are highly inefficient and time-consuming. CRISPR/Cas9 technology, a powerful new form of GE, has now triggered a step-change in the range, precision and efficiency with which genomes can be edited. However, production and screening of gene-edited cell lines remains inefficient. New methods that automate and reduce costs and handling time for the generation and recovery of edited cells would be highly welcome. Our project synergises stem cell biology and cellular genetics expertise (from Horizon Discovery and University of Edinburgh) with novel, single-cell manipulation and microfluidic expertise (from Sphere Fluidics Limited). Both Sphere Fluidics and Horizon Discovery have a track record in bringing valuable products and services to the R&D community. This world-class team will develop and validate a new microfluidic-based device for GE, that enables production of high quality engineered cells in a more rapid, efficient and less costly way. This project will support the development of a new benchtop device that will accelerate medical research and improve production of valuable products such as new therapeutics, foods or fuel sources. It will enable innovation and generate a significant return on investment (>200-fold) and provide major commercial potential for the partners, giving them a global lead in this area and creating new jobs.