Advances in spatial biology enable scientists to visualize multiplexed biomolecules across multiple 'omics technologies at single-cell resolution. However, all of these technologies require significant manual sample preparation, which has created a bottleneck in specimen-to-data workflows, limiting the promise of biomarker-driven therapy development.

 

In the first half of the webinar, spatial biology pioneer Nadya Nikulina will introduce the Parhelia Spatial Station,™ an open-source benchtop system designed to automate any specimen processing and staining protocol prior to visualization analysis. Using the validation of the PhenoCycler Fusion (PCF) method as an example, she will demonstrate how adapting sample preparation to automation improves workflow efficiency and data quality in downstream spatial imaging and analysis.

 

In the second half, Dr. Noemi Kedei will describe how her spatial biology core lab at NCI has implemented the Parhelia Spatial Station and Omni-StainerTM systems in automating the multistep sample preparation process for several multiplex imaging assays, which include dewax and antigen retrieval, feasibility morphology staining for GeoMx DSP, InSituPlex and SignalStar mid-plex assays, CODEX/PCF, and post-imaging H&E staining. Dr. Kedei will highlight the unique features of the different automation systems (e.g., default protocol availability, protocol customization, and diverse assay versatility) to increase the efficiency, reproducibility, and throughput of these complex assays.

 

Learning Objectives