A Barcode-Free Combinatorial Screening Platform for Matrix Metalloproteinase Screening

ABSTRACT: Application of droplet microfluidics to combinatorial screening applications remains elusive because of the need for composition-identifying unique barcodes. Here we propose a barcode-free continuous flow droplet microfluidic platform to suit the requirements of combinatorial screening applications. We demonstrate robust and repeatable functioning of this platform with matrix metalloproteinase activity screening as a sample application. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) make up a family ofenzymes involved in a plethora of biological functions. Through their interactions with biological molecules like proteinases, latent growth factors, cell-surface receptors, growth factor binding proteins, etc., they are able to regulate a number of biological processes.1 Furthermore, this family also plays an important role in pathological conditions like cancer, arthritis, psoriasis, pulmonary emphysema, and endometriosis.2 It is critical to infer the presence of particular subtypes of the MM