PROCESS FOR FORMING AND USING MICRODROPLETS

A process for capturing molecules at binding sites within gel microdroplets is disclosed. The process also allows measurement or isolation of cells based on the captured molecules. The process involves creation of gel microdroplets (gel microdroplets) with binding sites for molecules secreted or released from cells. Gel microdroplets can optionally be incubated, and then measured for the presence of molecules captured at the gel microdroplet binding sites. The process allows measurement, and isolation of cells based on measurement, or allows isolation without measurement. This invention also comprises gel microdroplets containing marker entities which enhance the measurement of gel microdroplets, as are processes for forming and using such gel microdroplets. A process for determination of biological entity growth is also disclosed. Further, a process for determining the effects of chemical compounds and agents on the growth of biological entities is disclosed. A process for rapidly enumerating viable biological entities is also disclosed, wherein viability is determined by the criterion of growth of biological entities contained in microdroplets, or by use of vital staining of biological entities contained in microdroplets. In addition, a process for determination of the properties of biological entities of a mixed biological population is disclosed. The process involves creation of microdroplets which are small liquid or gel particles, such that at least some of the biological entities of the mixed population sample are separated by virtue of being contained individually, or in small numbers, within individual microdroplets. Still further, a process for manipulation of liquid and gel microdroplets is disclosed. The process involves formation of microdroplets such that physical forces based on particular interactions of the microdroplets with a surrounding non-aqueous fluid results can be used to alter the position of the microdroplets. Finally, a process for the chemical manipulation of liquid and gel microdroplets is disclosed. The process involves providing first microdroplets having aqueous interiors, such that the first microdroplets are surrounded by a non-aqueous fluid. The aqueous interior chemical composition of the first microdroplets is then manipulated by exposure to compounds soluble in both the non-aqueous and aqueous phases, or by exposure to emulsions or suspensions of second microdroplets such that contact between the first and second micr