Abstract

Single-Button Sample Prep: A Practical Platform For Low-Throughput Automation

Richard Spero, CEO, Redbud Labs

Many labs routinely process just a few samples per day—say 10, 20, or 50. These assays are almost always performed by hand, because lab automation solutions are designed for much higher throughput. Redbud Labs is is using microfluidics to develop a solution for sample prep that enables automation of low- to medium-throughput workflows. Our platform is unique in building on gold-standard magnetic bead chemistry to ensure backwards compatibility with labs’ existing workflows. We use a novel material for microfluidic agitation technology to maximize reaction yield for these bead-based reactions, resulting in lab-quality yield, fast runtimes, and a compact design. We will report on performance of this system in a range of assays, from nucleic acid extraction to protein enrichment for immunoassays. We will also share strategies employed to develop our platform on a highly compressed timeline.