Scientists are currently working to improve microfluidic technology. Their aims are to make it cheaper and more accessible for researchers, the pharmaceutical industry, and doctors diagnosing complex diseases.
One of these companies pioneering microfluidic technology is Droplet Genomics, a Lithuanian company founded in 2016.
Droplet Genomics is seeking to commercialise droplet microfluidics technology – an essential tool for cutting-edge discoveries. As the CEO of Droplet Genomics Dr Juozas Nainys explains:
“Our goal is to make high-throughput research as accessible to our clients as possible. One way this will be achieved is by increasing the ease of use. At present, , droplet microfluidics technology is difficult to use. We are trying to make the process of adopting it as simple as possible. We are also solving technical problems for the technology to be used in new ways.”.
The company intends to give the users an A to Z solution. This encompasses: devices and reagents for research, technical support, alongside everything else that is required to perform droplet microfluids experiments.
Droplet microfluidic technology is best used for high-throughput research, such developing drugs and analysing complex diseases at the single cell and molecular level. One prominent example of how droplet microfluidics can be harnessed is in the discovery of therapeutical antibodies. Such technology is researched not only by Droplet Genomics, but a host of other companies, notably biotech startups in Germany.
Dr Nainys says that Droplet Genomics has already formed partnerships with multiple German industrial companies and universities. He continues:
“We see Germany as a great partner for Lithuania. We work in Europe, so the cultural similarities and even similar legal systems are great for developing various projects together. Also, Germany is one of the most important players in the biotechnology industry in the world. We have a lot to learn from Germans, BioNTech is a great example of that. We also see Germany as a great place to perform clinical research and trials. It’s a large country with a well-developed healthcare infrastructure that would be essential when conducting clinically oriented research.”
Yet, Dr Nainys emphasises that deeper cooperation could benefit both countries, as Lithuania is an innovation powerhouse. International collaboration between the two has already helped Lithuanian specialists refine their skills and knowledge. As such, Dr Nainys hopes German-Lithuanian cooperation will only grow.
Lithuania’s inventive biotech industry is fast becoming an internationally recognised player. More collaboration can only bring Germany and Lithuania better results.
