# System for faster microarray assays and end-to-end workflow automation

> **NIH NIH R44** · REDBUD LABS, INC. · 2020 · $987,240

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
 Microarrays are an important research tool (genomics and proteomics) and clinical tool
(biomarker discovery and diagnosis). Current microarray processing methods are limited by slow
assay kinetics, are not amenable to automation, and require high volume of expensive
reagents/buffers. Miniaturization of these technologies has been explored to improve throughput.
The demand for microarrays continues to grow thereby increasing the urgency for systems that
can automate and improve the performance of these assays.
 Our goal for this Phase II project is to develop a solution for fully automated, accelerated
microarray processing that will reduce end-to-end protocol time by at least 50%, reduce the capital
expense and footprint of a high throughput microarray processing line by 10x, reduce reagent
costs by 10x, and virtually eliminate direct labor costs. Our system will be designed for
compatibility with a world class liquid handling systems (LHS) platform, including three new
components: multi-chamber MXR lids to mount on industry standard 1”x3” printed slides; MXR
Hotel to enable temperature control and mixing during incubation; liquid waste aspirator for
efficient fluid exchange in MXR chambers. This system will enable fully automated microarray
processing. In addition, individual components can be used in isolation to simplify semi-automated
and manual workflows.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9986776
- **Project number:** 5R44GM122159-03
- **Recipient organization:** REDBUD LABS, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Jay Kenneth Fisher
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $987,240
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-07-01 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9986776

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9986776, System for faster microarray assays and end-to-end workflow automation (5R44GM122159-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9986776. Licensed CC0.

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