DNA Synthesizer Market

Market Overview

The global DNA synthesizer market size was valued at USD 3.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 17.3 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 20.0% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The growing demand for effective DNA synthesizers from life science laboratories and pharmaceutical and biotechnology businesses is the primary driver of the DNA Synthesizer Market share. 

A DNA synthesizer is a laboratory tool that automates the chemical creation of unique DNA sequences. It enables researchers to fast and precisely build oligonucleotides, or small DNA segments with specified nucleotide sequences. Solid-phase synthesis is a procedure used by DNA synthesizers in which nucleotides are sequentially added to a developing DNA chain anchored to a solid substrate, such as a resin bead. This process consists of nucleotide coupling, deprotection, and washing processes managed by automated protocols included in the synthesizer. 

The market is driven by rising demand for synthetic DNA in various research and development activities, including drug discovery, gene synthesis, and molecular diagnostics. Furthermore, advances in DNA synthesis technology, such as increased efficiency, precision, and scalability, encourage researchers and biotech businesses to invest in DNA synthesizers. The growing use of personalized medicine and the demand for custom-designed DNA molecules all contribute to market growth. Furthermore, the growing field of synthetic biology, with applications in agriculture, biofuels, and industrial enzymes, is pushing demand for DNA synthesizers. 

However, one key constraint is the high cost of DNA synthesis tools and consumables, which makes them unaffordable for smaller research laboratories or academic institutions with limited resources. Furthermore, the difficulty of operating DNA synthesizers and needing specialized workers can hinder adoption. 

Highlights

• Benchtop DNA Synthesizers dominate the market by type.
• Drug Discovery and Development generates the highest revenue share by application.
• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies influenced the market by end-user.

Market Dynamics

Global DNA Synthesizer Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Synthetic Biology Solution

The growing use of synthetic biology in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, biofuels, and materials research, drives demand for DNA synthesizers. Synthetic biology approaches use bespoke DNA synthesis to build and construct innovative biological systems, generate designer species, and discover new therapeutic modalities. This results in market growth for DNA synthesis platforms and services. Synthetic biology platforms and technologies, such as DNA synthesizers, are critical for creating and assembling unique DNA sequences for synthetic biology applications.

Additionally, the advent of high-throughput DNA synthesis technology allows researchers to design genetic circuits, biosensors, and metabolic pathways for various uses. In January 2023, Asimov, BioRay Pharmaceuticals, and Colossal Biosciences got the most significant biotech investments. Asimov, a firm that creates tools for constructing biological systems using synthetic biology, announced USD 200 million in January 2023. Companies like Arbor Biotechnologies and DNA Script raised approximately USD 215 million and USD 167.2 million, respectively. The significant investment enhances the circulation of cash in the market and promotes the growth of businesses along the supply chain.

For example, in September 2022, the Government of New South Wales announced an investment of more than USD 6 million in a new synthetic biology and biomanufacturing development program to improve access to manufacturing and production facilities and equipment throughout the State of Wales, Australia. Many research investigations and programs in various nations have attempted to tap into the intricacies of organisms' genomes, resulting in more effective and efficient treatments. 

Moreover, DNA synthesizers enable the rapid and exact assembly of genetic constructs, gene circuits, and metabolic pathways for synthetic biology applications, allowing scientists to design novel biological systems with desired functions and properties. As synthetic biology advances and diversifies, powered by developments in DNA synthesis methods and applications, the worldwide DNA synthesizer market is positioned for solid growth.

Global DNA Synthesizer Market Restraints

High-Cost Instruments and Consumables

DNA synthesizers and associated consumables, such as reagents, columns, and cartridges, can be expensive, rendering them out of reach for small research labs and academic institutions with limited resources. The initial capital expenditure required to purchase DNA synthesizers and the ongoing costs associated with maintenance, calibration, and consumable replenishment create financial barriers to adoption, especially in emerging countries and resource-constrained settings. The average cost of a DNA sequencer is USD 19,229. However, prices can range from USD 312 to USD 112,419. Smaller, more portable sequencers are less expensive, whereas larger machines might cost USD 500,000 or more.

In addition, depending on the brand, model, and specifications, a benchtop DNA synthesizer appropriate for small-scale DNA synthesis operations can cost tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Kilobaser Basic Edition benchtop DNA synthesizer costs USD 35,500, and the Extended Edition costs USD 49,500. The Basic Edition can synthesize conventional DNA, whereas the Extended Edition can synthesize customized DNA and RNA. The Extended Edition is available for USD 21,500 as an upgrade from the Basic Edition.

Furthermore, the ongoing expenditures of consumables such as phosphoramidites, reagents, columns, and purification kits can accumulate over time, raising the total cost of ownership for DNA synthesizers. The initial costs of DNA synthesizers and ongoing expenses such as instrument maintenance, calibration, and consumable procurement present financial challenges for end users, notably smaller research laboratories and academic institutions with limited funding resources.

Moreover, more access to capital funding and operational budgets may make acquiring DNA synthesizer instruments or using DNA synthesis services easier, hindering scientific development and innovation in molecular biology and biotechnology. 

Global DNA Synthesizer Market Opportunity

Emerging Applications in Precision Medicine

Precision medicine seeks to adapt medical treatment and healthcare interventions to individual patients based on genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. DNA synthesizers play an essential role in precision medicine because they allow for the creation of unique DNA sequences for various applications such as molecular diagnostics, pharmacogenomics, and targeted drugs. In cancer diagnostics, for example, DNA synthesizers are used to create patient-specific molecular probes and primers for next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays, which allow for the detection of somatic mutations, copy number variations, and gene fusions in tumor samples. This information assists oncologists in selecting effective treatment methods, such as targeted treatments or immunotherapies, based on the molecular profile of the patient's tumor.

Additionally, Twist Bioscience Corporation (NASDAQ: TWST), a company that helps customers succeed by providing high-quality synthetic DNA on its silicon platform, and CeGaT GmbH, a global provider of sequencing services for research, clinical studies, and human genetic diagnostics, have announced the release of the Twist Alliance CeGaT RNA Fusion Panel, which is intended to detect RNA fusions and conduct transcript variant analysis for oncology research. RNA fusions occur when sections of two distinct genes fuse. This can arise during chromosomal configurations, which are common in malignancies.

Thus, the increased need for precision medical solutions creates considerable potential for DNA synthesizer manufacturers to provide unique DNA sequences, molecular probes, and diagnostic panels for precision diagnostics and individualized medicines. Precision medicine is predicted to become more widely used in healthcare, boosting the demand for high-throughput DNA synthesis platforms, next-generation sequencing technology, and bioinformatics tools. 

Regional Analysis

The global DNA synthesizer market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global DNA synthesizer market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 19.8% over the forecast period. North America held the most important market share of 40% in 2023. The existence of many market players and the different developments they have undertaken are the primary drivers of regional growth. Furthermore, technical improvements, significant investment in R&D, and increased demand for novel synthesizers all boost the regional industry. Moreover, investment by market actors in the region is growing. For example, in March 2022, Molecular Assemblies, Inc. raised USD 25.8 million in series B funding to launch a critical client program for completely enzymatic DNA synthesis.

Additionally, according to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) report from March 2023, autoimmune illnesses afflict between 23.5 and 50 million Americans, making them the third most common disease group behind cancer and heart disease. The NIH also notes that the prevalence of autoimmune biomarkers is rising in the United States. Simulations Plus, Inc. (Nasdaq: SLP) ("Simulations Plus"), a leading provider of modeling and simulation software and services for pharmaceutical safety and efficacy, has announced the acquisition of Immunetrics, Inc. ("Immunetrics"), a modeling and simulation company focused on accelerating drug development in oncology, immunology, and autoimmune diseases, three of the fastest growing therapeutic areas.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 20.2% over the forecast period. This can be ascribed to a boom in interest in synthetic biology research and increased R&D efforts to produce effective therapies. Furthermore, Asia-Pacific has a high incidence of disease due to lifestyle changes. Improving healthcare infrastructure, the entry of significant biotechnology organizations, and increased market investments in this region will likely increase demand for synthesizers. In September 2022, He Jiankui, the founder of Genetically Modified Kids, requested assistance from the Chinese government in raising USD 7.2 million for a DNA synthesizer project. The project intends to create China's first third-generation DNA synthesis platform. 

Furthermore, the market is experiencing an increase in commercial activities such as collaborations, acquisitions, new product launches, and investments, which is pushing the growth of the DNA synthesizer market in Asia Pacific. In December 2022, GSK, Takeda, and Sanofi partnered with the Biologics Pharma Innovation Programme to study and create cutting-edge biologics such as vaccines and recombinant proteins.

Europe is predicted to give enormous potential opportunities for DNA Synthesizer, with a high market share of 25% during the forecast period. Europe is expected to have substantial market growth owing to increased research and development for gene synthesis in vaccine preparation.

Segmental Analysis

The global DNA synthesizer market is segmented based on type, application, and end-user.

The market is further segmented by type into Benchtop DNA Synthesizers and large-scale DNA Synthesizers.

The benchtop DNA synthesizers category dominated the market, accounting for 70%. Factors such as increased R&D expenditure, rising need for bespoke DNA synthesis, and strong demand from a broad spectrum of end users are expected to fuel segment expansion. Furthermore, benchtop models' increased revenue share can be attributed to their cost-effectiveness. Benchtop models are smaller and less expensive than pilot-scale synthesizers, making them more suitable for small businesses and research laboratories.

Furthermore, these synthesizers are widely employed in applications such as PCR mutagenesis, gene cloning, and site-guided mutagenesis. Recent synthetic biology and genetics advances, new product launches, and favorable government laws drive greater synthesizer demand. For example, in May 2022, EVONETIX LTD reported receiving a thermally regulated DNA synthesis patent. The patented approach enables nucleic acid synthesis in a tabletop synthesizer platform. 

The large-scale DNA synthesizers category is predicted to grow at a considerable CAGR throughout the forecast period. Strong demand from pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, developments in DNA sequencing technologies, and an increasing requirement for high-throughput screening are expected to drive category expansion. Large-scale synthesizers are increasingly being used for high-throughput screening in drug development, which is expected to create attractive growth possibilities for the industry.

The market can be bifurcated by application into Drug Discovery, Genetic Engineering, and Clinical Diagnostics.

The drug discovery and development segment was the most profitable, accounting for 50% of total revenue. DNA synthesizers are essential in drug discovery processes because they enable the rapid synthesis of unique DNA sequences for target identification, validation, and lead optimization. In drug discovery, DNA synthesizers create molecular probes, gene constructs, and expression vectors to investigate gene function, protein interactions, and signaling cascades. These synthetic DNA sequences are critical for screening compound libraries, finding pharmacological targets, and creating innovative therapies in various fields, including oncology, neurology, and infectious illnesses. 

Additionally, the widespread use of DNA synthesizers in drug discovery, technological advancements, increased adoption of high-throughput technologies, and many market players with extensive product portfolios are expected to drive segment expansion. Furthermore, increasing demand for improved synthesis tools from drug companies to improve efficiency is driving segment growth. Twist Bioscience, for example, revealed plans in June 2022 to use its DNA synthesis platform to reduce barriers to drug discovery. This enabled the company to increase its drug development capabilities. 

The genetic engineering segment will have the quickest CAGR during the projection period. Genetic engineering manipulates and alters genetic material to produce desired organism traits or functionality. DNA synthesizers are sound in genetic engineering applications because they enable researchers to design, manufacture, and assemble custom DNA constructs for gene editing, recombinant protein expression, and metabolic engineering projects. 

Additionally, advancements in genetic engineering, increased availability of gene editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9, and more financing for commercializing innovative interventions in genetic engineering are all driving segment growth. The availability of various tiny and laboratory-scale synthesizers is also projected to drive segment expansion.

Based on end-users, the market is fragmented into Academic and Research Institutes, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies, and Clinical Laboratories.

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment had the most significant revenue share of 50% in 2023. Most pharmaceutical and biotechnology businesses employ synthetic DNA to generate novel genetic therapies and in the drug discovery process. Thus, the demand for synthesizers from biotechnology and pharmaceutical businesses is expected to rise dramatically in the coming years as the need for precision medicine and innovative therapeutic techniques grows.

Additionally, leading market companies prioritize developing and implementing novel platforms to boost synthesis, another driver driving sector expansion. For example, in February 2023, AstraZeneca automated its DNA synthesis capabilities to reduce costs and time. Furthermore, according to Telesis Bio, automating DNA production helps accelerate the drug discovery process. Moreover, the company stated that automation allows pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to leverage and expand their pipelines.

The academic and research institutes segment is predicted to grow at the quickest CAGR over the forecast period. Increasing areas of interest in research, continued efforts to build novel synthesizers with higher yield capabilities, and collaboration between companies and research institutions are all likely to drive segment expansion. For example, in January 2020, Evonetix partnered with imec to promote chip-based technology manufacturing for a third-generation nucleic acid synthesis platform.

Recent Developments

• February 2024- Danaher announced a collaboration with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center to improve patient safety in early drug development.
• March 2024- Twist Bioscience introduced IVDR-compliant Precision Dx products for whole exome sequencing.
• March 2024- LGC Group pioneered cancer treatments through enhanced genomic profiling.