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UNC Innovation Powers Redbud Labs’ Rise in Molecular Diagnostics

The Redbud NA1 device, a toaster oven-sized device, integrates seamlessly into high-containment environments, like biosafety-level 3 (BSL-3) labs.

By Dave DeFusco

Few companies epitomize the transformative potential of university-driven entrepreneurship quite like Redbud Labs. Born from leading research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, this biotech startup seamlessly bridges academic inquiry and real-world application. Its story is not just one of innovation but of perseverance, vision and the collaborative spirit that turns abstract scientific concepts into technologies with global impact.

Founded in 2010, Redbud Labs is the product of a unique collaboration between Richard Superfine, the Taylor-Williams Distinguished Professor in Applied Physical Sciences at UNC; Russ Taylor, a seasoned researcher; and Ricky Spero, a former graduate student in Superfine’s lab. Armed with patents derived from their pioneering research, they tapped into UNC’s startup resources, including Carolina’s KickStart Venture Services program, to establish a foundation for what would become Redbud Labs.

The idea for Redbud Labs emerged from decades of research into the physics of mucus clearance in the lungs. Superfine’s fascination with the mechanics of mucus—a viscoelastic fluid essential to lung health—and the role of cilia, tiny hair-like structures that move mucus, inspired the creation of biomimetic systems.

“Cilia are ancient structures, pre-dating mammals, and they’re found across biology,” said Superfine. “I saw their potential as a model for fluid dynamics and wanted to create something that could replicate their function.”

By embedding magnetic properties into synthetic cilia, the team developed actuating surfaces that could mimic natural fluid movements. What began as an academic exercise soon evolved into a versatile technology, spurred by Spero’s entrepreneurial aspirations. As the team explored potential applications for their synthetic cilia, they homed in on microfluidics—a technology that manipulates tiny amounts of fluid in intricate channels etched onto small plates. Microfluidics, often referred to as “lab-on-a-chip,” enables scientists to perform complex laboratory tasks, like mixing chemicals or analyzing samples, on a miniature scale.

Richard Superfine co-founded Redbud Labs in 2010.

The breakthrough came with the development of magnetic stirrers designed to work in these microfluidic systems. “Mixing in microfluidics is a challenge,” said Superfine. “Our actuating surfaces could stir fluids in confined spaces where traditional methods failed.”

From this innovation, the company launched Redbud NA1, a compact, automated platform for molecular diagnostics. The system uses magnetic bead chemistry to extract and purify nucleic acids like RNA and DNA, streamlining the preparation of biological samples for testing. In 2018, Redbud Labs moved its operations to The Frontier in Research Triangle Park, a hub of scientific and technological innovation. With a team of 21 employees, the company manages every aspect of development in-house—from software and hardware engineering to cartridge manufacturing. CEO Ricky Spero believes this full-stack approach is a rare advantage.

“In the Triangle, we were able to find the talent to do full-stack development in one building,” said Spero. “There aren’t many companies, of any size, that can do this. Achieving it with just 20 people is remarkable.”

Redbud NA1 has redefined molecular automation by making it accessible and user-friendly. The toaster oven-sized device integrates seamlessly into high-containment environments, like biosafety-level 3 (BSL-3) labs, enabling researchers to conduct complex molecular diagnostics without the need for expensive equipment or frequent maintenance.

“Our instrument allows people to get more work done in high-containment environments without interrupting workflows or risking contamination,” said Spero.

Ricky Spero, who was a graduate student in Superfine’s lab, is the company’s CEO.

The platform’s ability to consistently extract high-quality nucleic acids has proven invaluable for applications such as PCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Labs across the globe rely on Redbud NA1 to process samples efficiently, whether they are tracking COVID-19 variants, monitoring wastewater for signs of disease outbreaks or conducting genomic studies on pathogens.

The implications of Redbud Labs’ technology extend far beyond the lab. By simplifying molecular testing, the company has empowered mobile and field labs to perform diagnostics in real time, a critical advantage in responding to public health crises.

“We’re making molecular automation accessible in ways it’s never been before,” said Superfine. “What once required specialized labs can now be done in the field, providing timely insights during health emergencies.” 

January 14, 2025