# Improving extraction success of FFPE samples with automated and reliable microfluidic sample preparation

> **NIH NIH R44** · REDBUD LABS, INC. · 2024 · $1,238,908

## Abstract

Abstract
Genomic sequencing data is suitable for informing clinical decisions and advancing precision
medicine. While fresh-frozen tissues are the gold standard for next-generation sequencing, only
fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks are widely available in clinical workflows. The
fixation process enables a readily available, cost-effective resource repository with preserved
morphology and cellular data. However, extraction after fixation frequently yields low quantities of
degraded nucleic acids (NAs). The quantity and quality of nucleic acids can be improved during
extraction, however current workflows remain highly dependent on manual methods that are
labor-intensive, time-consuming, and vary in quality by operator skill.
Extracting nucleic acids from FFPE samples requires robust protocols with the ability to maintain
consistent performance. The translation from manual to reliable automated methods will be crucial
to advancing the field. In Phase I, we demonstrated proof-of-concept for extracting NAs from
FFPE using our microfluidic modules in combination with well-established sample prep
chemistries. In Phase II, we will fully automate the fluid processing from module to module using
our sample prep automation platform, NAxtract.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10931835
- **Project number:** 2R44GM148126-02A1
- **Recipient organization:** REDBUD LABS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Jay Kenneth Fisher
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $1,238,908
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2022-09-16 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10931835

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10931835, Improving extraction success of FFPE samples with automated and reliable microfluidic sample preparation (2R44GM148126-02A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10931835. Licensed CC0.

---

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