Revolutionising Microbial Research:
Lab Unlimited Partners with On-Chip Biotechnologies
for Cutting-Edge Equipment at the University of Birmingham

In a remarkable stride towards advancing microbial research capabilities, Lab Unlimited is thrilled to announce its successful partnership with On-Chip Biotechnologies in installing cutting-edge “single cell” processing instrumentation at the prestigious University of Birmingham. Spearheaded by Professor James McDonald, an eminent figure in microbial ecology and tree health, and managed by Lab Manager Beth Pettifor, this project marks a significant leap forward in high-throughput microbial isolation and screening.

The University of Birmingham's Institute of Microbiology and Infection (IMI) sought a versatile platform capable of encapsulating millions of single microbial cells in micrometre-sized droplets, facilitating high-throughput sorting and selection. With the vision of extending analytical capabilities and bolstering the UK's capacity for cell sorting and screening across various applications, the university laid out rigorous specifications for the project.

Lab Unlimited, with our expertise in supplying state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, won the tender, leveraging our proficiency in collaboration and project management. Working closely with On-Chip Biotechnologies, Lab Unlimited ensured the seamless installation and validation of the entire system, meeting the University of Birmingham's exacting requirements.

At the University of Birmingham, Professor James McDonald is recognized as an expert in the field of microbial ecology. Holding a Ph.D. in Environmental Microbiology from the University of Liverpool, Professor McDonald's research journey commenced with a focus on understanding the complex dynamics of microbial communities.

Throughout his career, Professor McDonald and his research team have utilised a combination of cultivation-based and molecular approaches to study both host-associated and environmental microbiomes. Their research spans various domains, including investigating the role of microbiomes in host health status and addressing global challenges such as waste management and sustainable fuel production.

Lab Manager Beth Pettifor plays a key role in overseeing the project and managing the various departments that will utilise the equipment. Her responsibilities include ensuring a seamless transition and providing comprehensive training for university staff. With meticulous attention to detail and effective leadership skills, Beth has been instrumental in optimising the performance of the installed technology.

Empowering Research with Cutting-Edge Technology

The cutting-edge platform provided by On-Chip Biotechnologies empowers researchers at the University of Birmingham to delve into a myriad of research projects addressing global challenges. This advanced system encapsulates three distinct products that can be utilised either individually or as an integrated system for comprehensive microbial analysis.

Droplet Selector: Unlocking Precision Analysis

One integral component of this innovative platform is the On-chip Droplet Selector, a device designed to enable the separation of desired water-in-oil (W/O) droplets and the direct dispensing of single droplets into well plates. Traditional cell sorters often face limitations when handling droplets in oil, hindering secondary analysis and isolation of droplets containing microorganisms. The On-chip Droplet Selector overcomes these challenges, significantly reducing the time and effort required for droplet screening and dispensing. This versatile tool finds application in investigating novel microorganisms, establishing high-producing stains, and screening antibody-producing cells, among other areas of research.

Droplet Sorter: Revolutionising Cell Sorting

The On-chip Sort stands as the world's first microfluidic chip-based cell sorter. Integrating sample detection, separation, and collection within a single microfluidic chip, this system offers a small footprint and user-friendly operation. Capable of analysing and sorting a wide range of samples including fragile cells, microorganisms, and emulsion droplets, the On-chip Sort expands the scope of sample analysis across various scientific disciplines and industries. Its microfluidic technology enables the sorting of sample types previously deemed impossible with conventional cell sorters, driving advancements in scientific research and industrial applications alike.

Droplet Generator: Fuelling High-Throughput Screening

The On-chip Droplet Generator facilitates the mass production of micrometre-sized water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion droplets and gel micro drops (GMDs) through a unique microfluidic chip design. Serving as miniaturized vessels for reactions such as microbial/cell cultivation and genetic analysis, these individual droplets enable high-throughput screening and single-cell analysis. Recognized as a prominent method for simultaneous assay of more than 1 million samples, droplet technology paves the way for accelerated scientific discovery and innovation across diverse research domains.

With this new platform, research progression in areas from enhancing plant and human health to discovering novel antimicrobial compounds and characterising environmental microbiota is just around the corner.

This collaborative effort between Lab Unlimited, On-Chip Biotechnologies, Professor James McDonald, and Lab Manager Beth Pettifor underscores a shared commitment to advancing scientific discovery and fostering innovation. As Lab Unlimited continues to push the boundaries of biotechnology, we look forward to witnessing the transformative impact of this groundbreaking initiative.

“As we pioneer the frontier of microbial research," said Donal O’Sullivan, Director of Sales at Lab Unlimited, "Lab Unlimited extends a warm invitation to all interested parties to connect with us. Whether you seek further information or wish to discuss your specific research needs, our team is here to collaborate with you. Together, let's embark on a journey of discovery and shape the future of microbial research.”

Contact Lab Unlimited today to explore the possibilities.

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