As a comprehensive, targeted research team, Ma Fuqiang’s team has established an innovative ultrahigh throughput screening method. This novel strategy improves the performance of DNA polymerase considerably. This approach uses a new technology platform known as Fluorescence-Activated Droplet Sorting (FADS). It allows for the directed evolution of enzymes on a scale never attempted before. The researchers used this technique on the iterative evolution of Bst DNA polymerase. Through this approach, they were able to obtain significant improvements in enzyme activity, paving the way for exciting future applications in disease diagnostics and genetic analysis.
The FADS platform utilizes state-of-the-art droplet microfluidics technology to create a highly-parallelized screening process at the single-cell level. This new capability is immensely powerful, as it enables researchers to quickly sort through vast mutant libraries. With the ability to screen up to and over 10 million mutants per day, the FADS platform is a truly powerful tool in enzyme research.
High-Temperature Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
For the ultrahigh throughput screening method this was done to improve Bst DNA polymerase. This polymerase has been a key to the success of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). This technique is well‐known for its rapidity, great specificity, high sensitivity and ease of use. These qualities discussed above, make it an invaluable tool for diagnosing and detecting the presence of genetically modified organisms.
The research team has modified the Bst DNA polymerase to be more heat tolerant for HT-LAMP. This discovery paves the way for developing rapid, reliable testing technologies, benefitting clinical and agricultural testing environments. The FADS platform has revealed improvements to processes that can accelerate the turnaround time for diagnostics. This is especially critical for the preparedness and response to infectious diseases.
“Schematic diagram of FADS-based directed evolution of Bst DNA polymerase.” – MA Fuqiang’s group
Commitment to Enzyme Molecular Modification
Ma Fuqiang’s research group is dedicated to promoting efficiency and effectiveness of enzyme molecular modification. Additionally, they’re pursuing the invention of ultra-high-throughput enzyme screening technologies. The creation of the FADS platform is another major step in this collaborative work-in-progress. The FADS platform thus allows for the effective identification of mutant enzymes with greatly improved activity. This integrated capability is poised to change the very paradigm of enzyme engineering.
The on-demand research group is deeply dedicated to doing things differently. In doing so, they aim to create powerful enzymes that can flourish in various settings, particularly extreme high-temperature settings. These types of progress are important not just for scientific research, but for tackling real-world challenges in medicine and food production.
“The FADS Ultra-High-Throughput Enzyme Screening Platform.” – MA Fuqiang’s group
