Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction System Market Report

In genomics research, personalized medicine, and genetic screening, there is a growing demand for automated, high-throughput nucleic acid extraction systems that cater to faster and more accurate scalable solutions.  Market players are introducing nucleic acid extraction systems that can process a large volume of samples quickly and with minimal human intervention while providing healthcare and research institutions with cost-effective, reliable, and versatile tools.

For instance, in April 2023, BioPerfectus launched three advanced nucleic acid extraction products, including the SSNP-A6 system (FDA-listed, CE-IVDR), Nucleic Acid Extraction Rapid Kit 96T (Magnetic Bead Method), and Nucleic Acid Extraction and Purification Rapid Kit 96T. SSNP-A6 processes 96 samples simultaneously, supporting high-throughput needs, while both kits offer rapid extraction on devices like Thermo Fisher’s KingFisher systems. However, to address the pressing needs of high-throughput nucleic acid extraction, particularly from FFPE samples, which are commonly used in research and diagnostics.

Major players are leveraging innovative technology and offering advantages like speed, automation, and chemical-free processes, to meet current demand to ensure researcher safety and compliance with environmental regulations. For instance, in February 2022, Covaris, LLC launched the truXTRAC FFPE Total NA Auto 96 Kit, a fully automated high-throughput solution for extracting and purifying DNA and RNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. Utilizing Covaris’ AFA technology, the kit eliminates the need for hazardous solvents, enhancing sample integrity. It is compatible with automated platforms and accelerates analysis to five hours, ensuring high-quality results for research and medical applications.

Furthermore, laboratories are seeking flexible systems that can accommodate custom protocols, catering to a wide range of sample types and testing methods, particularly in research and clinical testing for emerging diseases and genetic disorders. As the contract testing laboratories expand, the demand for reliable, cost-effective, and efficient systems that can scale with increasing sample volumes is rising.  Automation in sample preparation for genomics and diagnostics is becoming essential to meet industry standards. Due to this, market players are launching advanced automated nucleic acid extraction systems to enhance workflow efficiency, scalability, and adaptability, meeting the evolving demands of modern laboratories.

For instance, in October 2024, INDICAL BIOSCIENCE launched the IndiMag 2, an advanced automated nucleic acid extraction system designed for high-throughput contract testing labs. Featuring magnetic bead-based technology, modular design with heated/cooled lysis and elution strips, and flexibility for custom protocols, the system enhances workflow efficiency. It also minimizes plastic waste, aligning with sustainability goals while enabling precise, reliable, and rapid nucleic acid extraction.

The complexity of the integration of automated nucleic acid extraction systems in existing laboratory workflows and equipment poses a barrier. This results in increased setup expenditure, and training requirements as some labs may struggle to integrate new automated systems into their current infrastructure. Additionally, the high cost associated with the advanced automated system can be prohibitive for small and medium laboratories, resulting in limiting widespread adoption. Another significant challenge is the lack of standardization across different nucleic acid extraction methods and platforms, which can result in variability in results. It could create a reluctance to adopt automated systems, particularly in applications demanding high reproducibility.

However, the diversity in sample types also presents a challenge. While automated systems can handle large-scale extractions, they may still struggle with complex sample types, such as those with low nucleic acid yields or degraded samples. As some systems are not universally compatible with all biological materials. Moreover, competition from traditional manual methods remains a threat. In certain settings, manual extraction methods are still perceived as more flexible and cost-effective, especially for low-throughput needs, which can be customized more easily for specific applications.

Automation in genomics sample preparation significantly enhances throughput and scalability. By reducing manual touchpoints and streamlining workflows, automated systems can handle larger sample volumes in less time, making them ideal for high-throughput research environments results, in increased partnerships for the integration of automation for greater flexibility in research and development that can be adapted for various genomics applications such as CRISPR genome editing, cancer research, and genomic surveillance.

For instance, in February 2023, Automata announced a partnership with the Advanced Sequencing Facility at The Francis Crick Institute to advance the genomics sample preparation through integrated automation. This collaboration aims to automate three workflows, enhancing scalability, throughput, and R&D flexibility. ASF’s Head, Jerome Nicod, highlights the platform’s ability to accelerate discoveries in areas like CRISPR genome editing, cancer research, and genomic surveillance.

However, for optical genome mapping and other advanced genomic applications, a higher-quality DNA extraction process is critical for accurate, high-resolution genome analysis.  This led to an increase in the number of acquisitions between market players to address limitations, and strengthen the automated nucleic acid extraction market, addressing the growing demand for high-quality DNA isolation and providing significant advantages in efficiency, scalability, and application flexibility.

For instance, in November 2022, Bionano Genomics announced the acquisition of Purigen Biosystems to enhance optical genome mapping workflows by improving ultra-high molecular weight DNA sample preparation. The addition of Purigen’s Ionic Purification System streamlines DNA isolation and enables new applications for complex samples.

North America is one of the dominant regions in the automated nucleic acid extraction market, driven by the highest healthcare budgets in the world owing to its proficiency in advanced technology-driven healthcare facilities, with increased national healthcare per capita expenditure and GDP. Advanced hospital care, physician, and clinical services contribute to a large proportion of budget spending in the U.S. resulting in dramatically increased spending per person on therapies and prescribed drugs. Therefore, the continuous expediting of market growth is seen with the introduction of novel and innovative advancements in delivering genome techniques. The adoption of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, alongside growing research in genomics and molecular biology, is propelling the demand for efficient and automated nucleic acid extraction solutions.

Europe accounts for the second leading market for automated nucleic acid extraction. Additionally, the market is projected to grow the highest due to policy shifts in Europe for the review of drug effectiveness of health technology assessment, setting new cost-effective prices for drugs, resulting in more trials and affordable healthcare.  As well as Europe's strong focus on healthcare and life sciences research, along with increased funding for genomics and biotechnological advancements, creates a robust environment for the market. Countries in this region also focus on creating centralized, integrated diagnostic platforms for molecular diagnostics, leading to the increased adoption of automation. However, regulatory constraints and the fragmented nature of healthcare systems in some European countries can be a challenge to the widespread deployment of high-end automated systems. Additionally, the market faces competition from traditional manual methods, which are still prevalent in some laboratories due to their lower upfront costs.

The automated nucleic acid extraction market in Asia-Pacific is witnessing rapid growth in countries such as Singapore, China, South Korea, and Japan by the initiative taken by the government towards the awareness of chronic diseases. Asia-Pacific has the lowest per capita national healthcare expenditure, resulting in fewer advancements, and innovations, and a lack of skilled professionals in healthcare and innovations. However, with the increasing adoption of advanced techniques, investments between research and the healthcare sector are fuelling the growth of the market. However, increasing demand for molecular diagnostic tools is a major driver for nucleic acid extraction systems in the region. Moreover, the region’s growing biopharmaceutical industry and the rise of contract research organizations further fuel the adoption of automated systems.

Latin America is an emerging market for automated nucleic acid extraction systems driven by the increasing shift toward high-throughput and precision diagnostics in areas like oncology, infectious disease testing, and genetic screening is driving market growth. rising investments in healthcare and research by government and market players as well as increased awareness of the importance of molecular diagnostics is driving market growth. However, challenges such as the high cost and limited expertise in certain countries may hinder widespread adoption. Additionally, the healthcare systems in some countries are still transitioning from manual to automated workflows, which may slow market growth in the short term.

The Middle East and Africa region is gradually growing in the automated nucleic acid extraction system market, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa. as increasing adoption of advanced technologies coupled with growing public awareness about diseases like cancer and genetic disorders drives the market growth. Results, in the increasing investments in healthcare and biotechnology research, are on the rise. However, limited healthcare infrastructure, economic constraints, and a lack of skilled labor in certain regions of the MEA region remained challenges. While automation is slowly gaining traction, high upfront costs and limited access to advanced technologies may restrict widespread adoption, particularly in lower-income nations within the region.