FluidFM® - The next method to support CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Tool
This article introduces the concept of gene editing tool and presents the next method to support CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool: The FluidFM OMNIUM. From its working principle to its applications in genome engineering, discover how this versatile technique can be employed for precision gene editing by direct intra-nuclear injection.
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What is a genome or gene editing tool?
In brief, it's a tool employed to alter of the genetic code with a gene editing technique.

Before deep diving into the world of gene editing tools and technologies, a short introduction to the principles of the most prominent system of genome engineering CRISPR-Cas9 is required.
What makes CRISPR, one of the current best gene editing tool?
A simple working principle
CRISPR stands for "Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats" of genetic information that bacteria employ as part of their defense against viruses [1]. In practice, CRISPR genome editing involves a set of actions to accurately cut DNA and allow natural repair mechanisms to occur. The technology is based on a guide RNA and the Cas9 endonuclease; the guide RNA recognizes target sites and the Cas9 endonuclease cuts and triggers the repair mechanism.

Schematic representation of CRISPR-Cas9 Gene editing Technique
Delivery and off-target limitations
The two latter remain a challenge for CRISPR, notably for clinical application. To overcome those limitations, Cytosurge employed its proprietary patented technology - the FluidFM - to offer unprecedented genome editing capabilities with a unique in vitro solution to perform direct intra-nuclear delivery. This method allows to increase the efficiency and applicability of CRISPR across a variety of cell types and research fields. The versatility of CRISPR is shown in the next section.
What are examples of gene editing tools and technologies?
An example of a CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing tool supporting method: The FluidFM®

An example of a CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing Supporting Tool: The FluidFM®
Seven decades ago, the complex evolution of genome engineering started with the discovery of the DNA double helix. Throughout the years, researchers uncovered different tools and technologies to perfect gene editing. The FluidFM OMNIUM illustrates today's best supporting method to perform high-efficiency precision genome engineering.
The FluidFM technology unites the best features of microfluidics and force microscopy by combining closed microscopic channels with force sensitive probes. These probes have apertures down to 300 nm and allow to simultaneously sense interaction forces down to pN and to dispense or aspirate femtoliter volumes.
What is a genome editing tool used for?
The general applicability of CRISPR among different species has opened a multitude of new approaches for biological research [4]. Researchers use gene editing tools in their work to investigate several problematics, illustrating the broad applicability of gene editing.
In the literature, three common usages can be identified:
• Gene editing to analyze the function of a gene. Genomic alterations, in coding and non-coding regions, can be artificially introduced and hence be studied.
• Detecting new drug targets via genetic screening. Genetic screens can be performed with large-scale genetic loss- or gain-of-function experimental approach designed to discover genes or genetic sequences that elicit a specific function or phenotype [5]
• Tracking or tagging of a cell based on a fluorescent protein added onto a selected gene. Endogenous proteins can be tagged without the need of a transgene [6].
Those three functions are supporting scientists in their laboratory for a broad range of life sciences and biological applications.
Applications areas of a gene editing tool
A gene editing tool can have an impact in many different disciplines from medicine to agriculture. This section will focus on the potential impact of CRISPR gene editing tools in Medicine. The possibility to alter the genome provides researchers and clinicians alternative methods to investigate and improve disease prevention and treatment.
Drug Discovery
The feasibility and accessibility of CRISPR technology fastens drug discovery processes, notably for screening new drugs.
Diagnostics
With its strong specificity, CRISPR gene editing tool can be used to identify infectious and non-infectious diseases.
Disease Modeling
Genetic diseases originate from “errors” in the genome. Consequently, CRISPR with its high specificity, efficiency, and ease of use, can be employed to treat diseases that are driven by genetic changes. Gene editing is employed to model diseases, both in vivo and in vitro.
How to choose the right method to perform gene editing for your project?
Over the years, our team has identified two main needs for gene editing in the research community:
The versatility, accuracy and ease of use of the FluidFM OMNIUM - that allows you to perform as many gene edition as you want (KO, KI) while maintaining your cells alive and well!
The precision, reliability and reproducibility of a CRISPR-Cas9 cell line development service: you focus on your science, we take care of the rest!
Are you still unsure of which gene editing tool or technology suits your application?
Contact our team of experts to find the right solution for your research project.
References
[1] Jinek, Martin, et al. "A programmable dual-RNA–guided DNA endonuclease in adaptive bacterial immunity." science 337.6096 (2012): 816-821.
[2] Li, Hongyi, et al. "Applications of genome editing technology in the targeted therapy of human diseases: mechanisms, advances and prospects." Signal transduction and targeted therapy 5.1 (2020): 1-23.
[3] Gaj, Thomas, et al. "Genome-editing technologies: principles and applications." Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology 8.12 (2016): a023754.
[4] Adli, M. The CRISPR tool kit for genome editing and beyond. Nat. Commun. 9, 1911 (2018).
[5] Yu, J. S. L. & Yusa, K. Genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screening in mammalian cells. Methods San Diego Calif 164–165, 29–35 (2019).
[6] Zeng, F. et al. A Simple and Efficient CRISPR Technique for Protein Tagging. Cells 9, (2020).