Fig. 5: Process and results of high throughput screening of strains using DCP.

A Schematic diagram of application of DCP to screen for Z. mobilis strains with enhanced lactic acid production and tolerance. B Bright field images can detect microscopic monoclones formed by single cells. Combined with fluorescence images can directly index microscopic monoclones that grow fast and have high lactate production. LIB technology enables the target microscopic monoclones to be exported and collected as droplets. At least three independent experiments were performed, and similar results were obtained. C Following one round of screening, five strains were obtained and incubated in shake flasks for 24 h. Lactic acid production by the strains was determined by HPLC. n = 3 biological replicates. Data are presented as mean +/− SD. Source data are provided as a Source Data file.