In spatial biology, the manual, error-prone sample preparation process creates challenges such as limited throughput, high reagent costs, and few affordable automation options. Parhelia Biosciences addresses these issues with its Parhelia Spatial Station, an automated platform that streamlines tissue staining for spatial analysis, integrating sub-microliter precision in antibody master mix preparation. This precision enables customization and reproducibility, balancing ease of use with advanced functionality. As the only platform with such accuracy, Parhelia’s solution offers a cost-effective way to scale spatial biology studies, setting new standards in sample preparation automation.
The importance of spatial biology for understanding cellular interactions and disease mechanisms has been hampered by labor-intensive processes, impacting reproducibility and scalability. Parhelia’s automation platforms address these constraints by improving efficiency and reliability across various spatial biology assays. Their solutions are designed to be scalable, customizable, user-friendly, and cost-effective.
Central to Parhelia’s offerings is the Parhelia Spatial Station, an automated sample preparation platform built to handle complex workflows in spatial biology, particularly multi-omic protocols that typically face slow processing and inconsistency due to manual steps. This system automates critical tasks like dewaxing, antigen retrieval, antibody and probe hybridization, chromogenic stains, and temperature control from 0 to 100°C, reducing errors and enhancing reproducibility. Validated across various assays, including H&E, IF, IMC, CST SignalStar, and CODEX/PCF, the Spatial Station supports a wide range of applications.
The Parhelia Spatial Station’s touchscreen interface is intuitive, enabling researchers at any skill level to edit and execute protocols easily. Additionally, it supports high-plex antibody panel mixing, offering the flexibility needed for multi-omics research.
Precision in spatial biology, particularly in antibody mixes and reagents, is essential to achieve the right sensitivity and specificity while controlling costs. The Parhelia Spatial Station’s automation ensures precise sub-microliter application of reagents, reducing human error and enhancing consistency.
The platform also incorporates advanced features like liquid detection, automated calibration, and labware autodetection, which streamline workflows and mitigate delays. These capabilities improve experimental efficiency, reliability, and reproducibility.
By automating sample preparation, Parhelia Biosciences addresses the key limitations of manual and semi-automated systems. One significant feature of the Spatial Station is its ability to reduce reagent use by up to 50% through capillary gap staining, allowing an entire microscopy slide to be stained with just 110 µL of probe mix. This capability can translate into substantial cost savings, depending on the assay.
In summary, Parhelia’s approach, led by the Parhelia Spatial Station™, represents a significant step forward in spatial biology. By enhancing sample preparation efficiency, reproducibility, and accessibility, Parhelia supports broader adoption of spatial biology techniques. This progress is poised to accelerate discoveries in fields like cancer and neuroscience, enriching our understanding of complex biological systems and disease processes.