Grant Boosts Cargo Delivery in Genomes Project

Grant Boosts Cargo Delivery in Genomes Project

EMBL spin-out Geneva Biotech, a developer of viral and non-viral DNA delivery systems and Sphere Fluidics, providers of single cell analysis systems, have received a €1.6 million grant from the Eurostars funding programme that supports international collaborations between R&D-performing small and medium enterprises to develop innovative products, processes and services.

The grant will support a project that aims to adapt the use of Sphere Fluidics’ Cyto-Mine Single Cell Analysis System to generate an automated, benchtop device for precise docking of very large DNA cargoes in genome-edited cell lines. Cyto-Mine uses picodroplet technology and microfluidics to encapsulate cells in a picodroplet containing growth medium; this acts as a bioreactor to compartmentalise the cell and let it grow, eventually trapping secreted molecules such as antibodies. The unique workflow enables selective screening of single cells to find rare lead candidates.

Dr Frank Craig, CEO and Director at Sphere Fluidics said: “Sphere Fluidics is adapting the use of its Cyto-Mine system for the genome editing field. The Eurostars programme will enable us to continue to expand its use in this rapidly growing market by working together with Geneva Biotech to develop a precise method of delivering large DNA cargoes in genomes.”

Dr Daniel Fitzgerald, CEO and Director at Geneva Biotech commented: “Geneva Biotech has a long term vision to create viral vector tools that enable large DNA cargo delivery and genome engineering in primary cells that have proven refractory to traditional transfection, electroporation, or transduction methods. The Eurostars collaboration with Sphere Fluidics forms a key part of our strategy to improve our position in this field with significant therapeutic and industrial importance.”