Biologics US | October 3-4, 2024 | San Diego, CA, USA

Picodroplets for biologics discovery and scale up: a novel automation approach

Ultra-miniaturized droplet microfluidics provides a powerful approach to enable efficient discovery and scale up of biologics. In this talk, we will introduce the underlying approach and show how this has been integrated into a complete automated system for everyday use in the translational research process. We will give examples of the technology in action and highlight compelling new functionality and techniques to extend its application.

Picodroplets for Biologics Discovery and Cell Line Development: Accelerating the Discovery and Development Process

Although antibody therapeutics dominate drug development, prolonged workflows and increasing costs during their discovery and development hinder their success.

Cyto-Mine® by Sphere Fluidics, utilizes picodroplet technology, microfluidics and imaging, to address these obstacles in Antibody Discovery (AbD) and Cell Line Development (CLD), expediting therapeutic development. Cyto-Mine® offers significant advantages in the number of cells that can be processed, cost per run, and the speed with which projects can be completed.

Sphere Fluidics has developed a 2nd generation Cyto-Mine® instrument that enables the use of more fluors, multiplexed assays, and a broader range of applications. Early applications of the new Cyto-Mine® platform will enable cell isolation based on cell surface markers, viability, and titer of secreted proteins. Moreover, in combination with re-injection-based workflows, it will facilitate complex assays like combining cell types in a single droplet (crucial for binding assessment, cytotoxic assays, and advancing antibody development).

About Richard Hammond

Richard is responsible for Research & Development (R&D) at Sphere Fluidics. He brings over 20 years of experience in developing cutting-edge healthcare and life sciences products. He has held numerous senior positions responsible for product and technology development. At Alere Inc., he led major cross-company R&D programs including the Alere i platform, the world’s first CLIA-waived point of-care molecular infectious disease diagnostic device.

Richard founded Cambridge Consultants’ Bioinnovation group, providing biotechnical consultancy services, and recently was VP of Technology at DNA Electronics developing sequence-based diagnostics. Richard has MA and MEng degrees from King’s College, University of Cambridge.