The Complex Carbohydrate Research Center (CCRC) at the University of Georgia (US), focuses on carbohydrate science research. The Wallace lab, part of the CCRC investigates the structure and function of plant glycosyltransferases that build cell wall polymers. These polysaccharides are used in a wide variety of applications, including textiles, food additives, and medical device coverings.
Glycosyltransferases (GTs) play complex roles as enzymes that transfer sugars to a variety of substrates, including carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. However, the extensive donor and acceptor molecule combinations, makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact pairings for each GT thus, limiting full understanding of GT functions and applications.
Identifying these connections is critical to advancing carbohydrate science, yet the extensive substrate diversity has created significant obstacles.
The Wallace Lab addresses these challenges by using Xdrop, Samplix’s high-throughput droplet-based platform. This technology enables rapid screening of GT constructs and the development of engineered enzymes for biomedicine and drug development.
“We seek to use droplet generation through the Samplix Xdrop coupled with generalized glycosyltransferase assays as a platform for directed evolution of these enzymes to produce new desired sugar transfer activities."
“During training with Samplix staff, we found the Xdrop instrument exceptionally straightforward to use, and lab members were reliably generating encapsulated microbial and animal cells within one day of training. We are well on our way to realizing our experimental goals thanks to the Xdrop!."
Dr. Ian Wallace, Principal Investigator and Associate Professor
Learn more about the Wallace lab.
From left to right: Mary Irani, Rotating Graduate student, Shradha Subbaraman, Rotating Graduate Student, Caleb Griffith, Undergraduate Research Assistant, Jarron Sitton, Laboratory Technician, and Ian Wallace, Principal Investigator.
