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How the LNP Screening Array Works
By Joshua Gomes
The LNP Screening Array is a microplate-format microfluidic consumable for automated LNP formulation. It allows teams to generate lipid nanoparticles on a liquid handler, with direct dispensing, controlled microfluidic mixing, and sample recovery built into the device.
For teams already screening LNPs, the practical advantage is clear: formulation can run on deck without custom tubing, off-deck formulation steps, or added sample movement between preparation and downstream characterization.
What is the LNP Screening Array?
The LNP Screening Array is designed to make microfluidic LNP formulation compatible with automated liquid handling. Each device contains 8 micromixers, allowing multiple formulation conditions to run through the same device architecture.
During a run, the liquid handler dispenses lipid and aqueous phases into the LNP Screening Array. The device then routes those inputs into the microfluidic formulation region, drives mixing through the mixer geometry, and collects formulated samples in an output reservoir for recovery.
For the broader screening strategy behind this workflow, see Building a Higher-Throughput LNP Screening Workflow.
LNP Screening Array components
The LNP Screening Array is built around five functional regions that support liquid handler engagement, controlled microfluidic mixing, and sample recovery.
| Component | Function | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pipette interface | Creates a pressure-tight engagement point between the liquid handler and the LNP Screening Array | Enables direct dispensing into the microfluidic path without custom tubing or off-deck plumbing |
| Input channels | Route lipid and aqueous inputs toward the mixer | Maintain controlled fluid entry into the formulation region |
| Junction | Brings lipid and aqueous phases together before mixing | Establishes where LNP formation begins |
| Staggered herringbone mixing zone | Promotes rapid microfluidic mixing | Supports controlled LNP formation across screening conditions |
| Anti-backflow output reservoir | Collects formulated sample after mixing | Supports cleaner sample recovery while helping isolate collection from the formulation path |
Together, these regions define the full formulation sequence: tip engagement, fluid entry, phase convergence, microfluidic mixing, and sample recovery.
How fluids move through the LNP Screening Array
A formulation run follows a defined microfluidic sequence from dispense to collection.
- Lipid and aqueous inputs are prepared
Inputs are arranged according to the formulation design, which may vary lipid composition, cargo, buffer condition, flow setting, or another variable tied to the screen. - The liquid handler dispenses into the device
Pipette tips engage with the LNP Screening Array and deliver lipid and aqueous phases directly into the microfluidic path. - Input streams converge at the junction
Lipid and aqueous streams travel through separate input channels and meet at a defined junction before entering the mixing region. - Microfluidic mixing drives particle formation
The staggered herringbone mixing zone promotes rapid mixing of the lipid and aqueous phases, creating the microfluidic environment for LNP formation. - Formulated samples collect for downstream readouts
Formulated LNP samples move into the anti-backflow output reservoir for recovery before particle sizing, PDI measurement, potency testing, stability evaluation, or other downstream characterization.
The key design point is workflow continuity: the LNP Screening Array keeps dispense, formulation, and recovery inside a device format that liquid handlers can access directly.
How the LNP Screening Array fits liquid handling platforms
The LNP Screening Array is designed for standard liquid handling platforms and plate-based automation layouts. Its microplate-format footprint supports deck placement, while its port layout enables direct pipette tip access to the formulation path.
During operation, the liquid handler controls positioning, timing, and dispensing. The LNP Screening Array provides the microfluidic geometry that determines how lipid and aqueous inputs meet, mix, and collect.
That division of responsibility is what makes the design practical. The platform handles liquid delivery, while the LNP Screening Array handles microfluidic formulation. Teams can run LNP formulation without tubing-driven setup, off-deck instrumentation, or unnecessary sample movement.
How to evaluate the LNP Screening Array
The Starter Kit gives teams everything they need to evaluate automated microfluidic formulation on a compatible liquid handler.
The Starter Kit includes:
- LNP Screening Array
- Automation protocol
- Deck adapter
- Compatible 96-well plates
- Application guide
The Starter Kit is designed to support a hands-on evaluation from setup through sample recovery. Formulation teams can assess particle generation, material use, sample recovery, and downstream readouts, while automation teams can evaluate deck fit, tip engagement, dispensing behavior, adapter setup, and protocol execution.
Start screening LNPs on your liquid handler
Ready to test the LNP Screening Array in your screening workflow?
Contact us to discuss your workflow or get your LNP Screening Array Starter Kit to begin testing.