Abstract

Microfluidics for Low-Throughput Assay Automation

Richard Spero, CEO, Redbud Labs

Lab automation reduces errors, improves consistency, and reduces costs. But while lab automation equipment is typically optimized for processing hundreds or thousands of samples per day, most labs work with much lower throughput—say, 10–100 samples per day, and therefore their workflows are almost always performed by hand. Redbud Labs has developed an automation platform optimized for low- to medium-throughput. We use a novel microfluidic agitation method to maximize reaction yield for sample prep and other assays, 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.