Ultrahigh-throughput screening technology for microbial natural product discovery
Innovative ultrahigh-throughput screening technology uses droplet microfluidics and transposon mutagenesis to identify genes responsible for microbial natural product bioactivity, aiding in natural product identification and engineering for overproduction.
Overview
The ultrahigh-throughput screening technology leverages droplet microfluidics and transposon mutagenesis to efficiently identify genes responsible for the bioactivity of microbial natural products. Traditional methods of gene identification are labor-intensive and time-consuming, often obscured by the vast number of potentially responsible genes. This advanced technology streamlines the process, not only allowing for the precise identification of these genes but also facilitating downstream strain engineering to enhance the production of valuable natural products.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Ultrahigh-throughput capability: Combines droplet microfluidics with transposon mutagenesis to screen knock-outs of genes comprehensively.
- Versatile gene knockout library generation: Utilizes various methods including transposon mutagenesis, mutagenic compounds, and UV irradiation.
- Innovative bioactivity assays: Develops fluorescent or sequencing-based reporter assays tailored to specific natural product activities like killing or stress suppression.
- Integrated sequencing technology: Links gene knockouts with phenotype readouts using single-droplet sequencing, enabling precise identification of gene-product relationships.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 2, indicating that the concept and application have been formulated, with experimental proof of concept demonstrated in a controlled laboratory environment. Further validation and development are ongoing to advance this promising technology towards higher readiness levels.
About University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a comprehensive public research university with three campuses in the Toronto region and a globally scaled research enterprise. Its downtown footprint is embedded within a major academic health network and an adjacent innovation district, enabling co-located labs, clinical trials, and rapid testing with end users. Companies connect through co-op and long-duration internships, sponsored research, and access to shared core facilities and prototyping resources. Research is supported by Canada’s Tri‑Agency (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC) and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, alongside provincial programs and industry partnerships. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP management, licensing, and startup support through a coordinated entrepreneurship network.
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