# System for unitary automation of library preparation

> **NIH NIH R43** · REDBUD LABS, INC. · 2022 · $292,788

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Genomic epidemiology is crucial to outbreak surveillance and response. Sequencing data lets us track virus
evolution in real time and thus characterize transmission chains, identify emerging variants, and predict future
spread. This information, which cannot be deduced from diagnostic testing alone, informs the severity and
speed of an outbreak before it becomes a pandemic. In order to inform corrective action from sequencing data,
results must be obtained within hours, instead of days.
Ideally, automated library preparation would be achieved with an easy-to-use, single button device that can be
deployed in resource-limited settings as part of a point-of-need infectious disease surveillance/diagnostic
system. However, given the diversity of sequencing applications, there cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution to
library prep. Instead, we believe the correct strategy is to automate unitary library prep operations, with
well-defined breakpoints in between, enabling the user to mix and match these operations as the application
demands. This strategy will reduce hands-on time and operator burden while maintaining workflow flexibility.
In this Phase I project, we focus on demonstrating the feasibility of automating three unitary library prep
operations on our platform. The operations are: end repair/dA-tailing, barcoding, and adapter ligation. Each
step involves an incubation followed by size selection. Our approach protects the customizability of manual
workflows while eliminating up to 95% of pipette steps. The outcome of this project will be a solution for
pre-analytical preparation in low-resource settings.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10395282
- **Project number:** 1R43GM145194-01
- **Recipient organization:** REDBUD LABS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Jay Kenneth Fisher
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $292,788
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-02-17 → 2023-02-16

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10395282

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10395282, System for unitary automation of library preparation (1R43GM145194-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10395282. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*