# Development of a user-friendly next generation epigenomic chip adaptable to automation workflows

> **NIH NIH R43** · ATLASXOMICS INC. · 2024 · $399,929

## Abstract

In this Phase I SBIR study, AtlasXomics will develop a next-generation spatial deposition process to expand
tissue type compatibility, minimize end-user processing, and allow adaptation into larger automation
workflows. Epigenetics is critical in regulating gene expression in healthy and diseased tissue cells.
Incorporating genome-wide epigenetics illuminates research into cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and
systems biology. Systematic epigenomic tissue analysis will allow researchers to bring to bear the power of
spatial multi-modal omics to a broad range of disease research. An epigenomics tool accessible to bench
scientists remains an unmet need. AtlasXomics launched the first genome-wide spatial epigenomics tool,
spatial-ATAC-seq, built on our Deterministic Barcoding in Tissue for spatial omics sequencing (DBiT-seq)
platform. An automatable version of our DBiT-seq device will provide this missing puzzle piece but requires
greater flexibility, throughput, and ease of use. Early adopters applied our assays to human melanoma, brain
cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Based on positive early adopter feedback, we have set key
objectives for a next-generation product with 1) improved ease of use, 2) greater flexibility for application to a
wider array of tissue types, 3) larger field of view (FOV) approaching single-cell resolution, and 4) at a lower
cost for large-scale epigenomics studies. To meet this critical need, AtlasXomics will develop a process
substantially reducing the end user’s process steps and pain points, delivering a widely accessible spatial
platform. We have developed a prototype FlowGel process using the current commercial consumable (25um
resolution, 2.5x2.5mm FOV) to map chromatin accessibility in fresh-frozen mouse brains. Once finalized, the
process and consumables will be transferable to all other AtlasXomics applications currently in development.
The positive results from this proof-of-principal study set the groundwork for AtlasXomics to deliver a more
robust, user-friendly, low-cost spatial epigenomic product. Aim 1: Prove the FlowGel at a larger FOV
dramatically minimizes researchers’ bench time, reducing human error and improving quality. Aim 2: Make the
FlowGel chip and hardware and demonstrate their superior performance with various tissue types over our
current commercial technology. Transition to Phase II. We will supply three customers with FlowGel kits and
training to carry out FlowGel-enabled spatial assays and map out product requirements for small labs and
more extensive automated operations.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10921929
- **Project number:** 1R43HG013631-01
- **Recipient organization:** ATLASXOMICS INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Timothy S McConnell
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $399,929
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-01 → 2024-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10921929

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10921929, Development of a user-friendly next generation epigenomic chip adaptable to automation workflows (1R43HG013631-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10921929. Licensed CC0.

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