METHODS OF ASSAYING BIOMOLECULES WITHIN A MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE

Methods for identifying a cell population secreting a biomolecule with desirable attributes are disclosed. The desirable attributes can include, for example, quantity and quality (e.g., minimal aggregation and/or desired configuration). Cell populations identified by the disclosed methods are more likely to successfully scale during production. The methods can include assessing multiple domains/binding sites of a complex biomolecule and/or the formation of aggregates by the biomolecules. Methods of assessing a secretion level for biomolecules having a wide range of molecular weights and method for enhancing loading of cells into chambers of a microfluidic device. The labelling of viable cells and/or cells actively expressing a biomolecule of interest, for example, can permit selection and subsequent analysis of the cells most likely to successfully expand and express the biomolecule of interest, thereby reducing effort, risk, and cost associated with the screening of cells and increase the probability of identifying cell lines that are optimal producers of biomolecules of interest.