BioAutomation Systems
BioAutomation, part of LGC Biosearch Technologies, manufactures MerMade™ automated DNA/RNA oligonucleotide synthesizers (eight models, 4-192 oligos per run) for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, scientific R&D, and academic customers globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersTexas City, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What BioAutomation Systems does
BioAutomation Corporation, founded in 1999 and headquartered in Texas City, Texas, manufactures the MerMade™ line of automated DNA/RNA oligonucleotide synthesizers for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, scientific research and development, and academic customers worldwide. The company was acquired by LGC Group in 2018 and now operates as a brand within LGC's Biosearch Technologies division, with manufacturing consolidated at a centre of excellence in Alexandria, Minnesota. The MerMade platform spans eight instrument models capable of synthesizing between 4 and 192 oligos simultaneously, covering scale ranges from 50 nmol (research-grade) to 200 μmol (GMP-grade therapeutic production).
The core technology is solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, which BioAutomation packages into configurable hardware platforms paired with a comprehensive reagent and consumable portfolio including phosphoramidites, solvents, columns, trap packs, solid supports, modified and unmodified bases, and ancillary synthesis accessories. Following LGC's acquisition, BioAutomation's MerMade instruments have been combined with nucleic acid chemistry products from Biosearch Technologies, LINK, Berry & Associates, and Prime Synthesis to create a portfolio of over 1,000 products covering end-to-end oligo synthesis workflows. Complementary offerings include custom oligonucleotide synthesis services, KASP genotyping assays, Stellaris RNA FISH products, SNPline plate-based genotyping, Array Tape ultra-high-throughput PCR, oKtopure automated DNA extraction, and sbeadex nucleic acid purification chemistry.
BioAutomation monetizes through a mix of capital equipment sales (MerMade instruments), recurring consumable and reagent revenue, custom oligo synthesis services, and laboratory services such as KASP genotyping, DNA extraction, and genotyping-by-sequencing with bioinformatics support. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. The go-to-market model is direct sales supported by regional offices in the UK, Germany, USA, China, and Singapore, alongside digital ordering through the biosearchtech.com website. The company is small (11-50 employees) and no longer operates as an independent entity following the 2018 acquisition.
BioAutomation Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- BioAutomation Systems
- Legal name
- BioAutomation Corporation
- Website
- https://bioautomation.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Acquired
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- BioAutomation, part of LGC Biosearch Technologies, manufactures MerMade™ automated DNA/RNA oligonucleotide synthesizers (eight models, 4-192 oligos per run) for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, scientific R&D, and academic customers globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
BioAutomation Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Laboratory Instruments - Nucleic Acid Synthesis
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Biological Product (except Diagnostic) Manufacturing (325414)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826), Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays) (HLAGAIAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- RNA Manufacturing & CMC (oligo synthesis, IVT, purification, formulation, QC) (HLAAADAF), RNA Therapeutics Platforms & Design (sequence design, target ID/validation, AI/bioinformatics) (HLAAADAG), Bioinformatics & Multi-omics Analysis Software (HLAGAJAD)
Keywords
Where BioAutomation Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Texas City
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
BioAutomation Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Oligonucleotide Synthesizer Instruments: Sale of automated DNA/RNA synthesizers including MerMade 192X, MerMade 4, MerMade 48X, and MerMade 6 and 12 models with varying throughput capacities from 4 to 192 oligos simultaneously
- Synthesis Reagents and Consumables: Sale of phosphoramidites, solvents, columns, trap packs, solid support columns, modified and unmodified bases, and ancillary reagents including DNA/RNA phosphoramidites, CPG supports, and synthesis accessories
- Custom Oligonucleotide Synthesis Services: Custom oligos, probes and primers including KASP genotyping assays, custom oligos in plates and tubes, IVD and commercial GMP oligos, and RNA FISH products
- Genotyping and Sequencing Services: Laboratory services including KASP genotyping services, DNA extraction services, genotyping by sequencing, targeted genotyping sequencing, and bioinformatics services
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels6 records
BioAutomation Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
BioAutomation manufactures and sells the MerMade line of automated DNA/RNA oligonucleotide synthesizers in eight models capable of synthesizing 4 to 192 oligos simultaneously at scale ranges from 50 nmol to 200 μmol. The offering is complemented by a comprehensive portfolio of synthesis reagents, consumables, solid support columns, and ancillary accessories, plus custom oligo synthesis and genotyping laboratory services, for pharmaceutical, biotech, research, and academic customers globally.
Product overview
BioAutomation, part of LGC Biosearch Technologies, provides an end-to-end nucleic acid synthesis solution combining the MerMade™ series of automated DNA/RNA oligonucleotide synthesizers (available in eight models: MerMade 4, MerMade 6/12, MerMade 48X, and MerMade 192X, synthesizing 4-192 oligos simultaneously at scales from 50 nmol to 200 μmol) with a comprehensive portfolio of synthesis reagents including modified and unmodified oligo synthesis reagents, nucleosides, and nucleoside precursors. The portfolio is complemented by solid support columns (CPG, Polystyrene), ancillary reagents, oligo processing accessories, and synthesizer parts. LGC acquired BioAutomation in 2018, integrating it with existing brands (Biosearch Technologies, LINK, Berry & Associates, Prime Synthesis) to create a single-source supplier offering over 1,000 nucleic acid chemistry products for diagnostics and therapeutics applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- MerMade: Renowned line of DNA/RNA oligo synthesizers manufactured in eight models capable of synthesising between 4 and 192 oligos simultaneously at scale ranges from 50 nmol to 200 μmol.
Products and services
- MerMade 192X High-throughput automated DNA/RNA oligonucleotide synthesizer capable of synthesizing up to 192 oligos simultaneously, designed for large-scale research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications.
- MerMade 48X Mid-to-high throughput automated DNA/RNA synthesizer capable of synthesizing up to 48 oligos simultaneously, suitable for medium-scale research and production workflows.
- MerMade 4 Benchtop DNA/RNA oligonucleotide synthesizer designed for lower-throughput synthesis, ideal for research laboratories with moderate oligo production needs.
- MerMade 6 and 12 Compact automated DNA/RNA synthesizers supporting 6 or 12 oligos simultaneously, offering flexibility for small-to-medium scale synthesis requirements.
- MerMade Oligonucleotide Synthesizer Series Industry-leading series of automated DNA/RNA oligonucleotide synthesizers offered in eight models capable of synthesizing between 4 and 192 oligos simultaneously at scale ranges from 50 nmol to 200 μmol, supporting diagnostics and therapeutics applications.
- Modified Oligo Synthesis Reagents Specialized reagents for modified oligonucleotide synthesis including cell delivery modifiers (Vinyl Phosphonates, GalNAc, Lipophilic, Vitamin Modifiers), fluorophores and quenchers (CAL Fluor, Cyanine, BHQ, ROX, TAMRA), backbone modifications (LNA, PNA, H-Phosphonates), and nuclease resistance modifications (2'-OMe, 2'-F solid supports and phosphoramidites).
- Unmodified Oligo Synthesis Reagents Standard reagents for DNA and RNA oligonucleotide synthesis including LCAA CPG, RNA CPG and phosphoramidites, Native CPG, Universal Polystyrene and CPG, and DNA phosphoramidites and CPG.
- Nucleosides and Nucleoside Precursors Modified and fluorescent nucleosides used as building blocks for custom oligonucleotide synthesis with various chemical modifications.
- DNA and RNA Synthesis Instruments and Accessories Comprehensive product category encompassing synthesizers, ancillary reagents, oligo processing accessories, and synthesizer parts including bottle caps, seals, O-rings, filters, and valves for end-to-end oligo synthesis support.
- KASP Genotyping Assays PCR-based competitive allele-specific PCR genotyping assays for SNP genotyping, marker-assisted selection, and agricultural genomics applications.
- Stellaris RNA FISH RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization products including custom probe sets, design-ready professionally designed sets, ShipReady control probes, universal controls, and RNA FISH buffers for RNA localization studies.
- oKtopure Bead-Based Automated DNA Extraction System Bead-based automated DNA extraction system designed for high-throughput nucleic acid extraction and purification workflows.
- SNPline Plate-Based Genotyping System Automated plate-based genotyping system including Kube automated thermal plate sealer, Fusion3 1536 well plate sealer, Hydrocycler thermal cycler, barcode readers, repliKator liquid handling system, and Meridian3 liquid dispensing system.
- Array Tape Ultra-High-Throughput Platform High-throughput PCR and qPCR platform featuring Soellex thermal cycler, Araya assay detection, Intelliqube automated PCR instrument, and Nexar inline liquid handling system with Intellics software.
- Genotyping and LIMS Software Laboratory information management and genotyping software including SNPviewer, Kraken workflow management software, and Klustercaller genotyping software.
- QuickExtract DNA and RNA Extraction Chemistry Rapid nucleic acid extraction chemistry technology enabling quick DNA and RNA extraction from various sample types for downstream analysis.
- Molecular Biology Enzymes Comprehensive enzyme portfolio including nucleases (RNase, DNase), DNA and RNA polymerases, reverse transcriptases, ligases, kinases, phosphatases, and isothermal amplification enzymes.
- Custom Oligonucleotide Synthesis Services Custom oligo synthesis service including KASP genotyping assays, custom oligos in plates and tubes, IVD and commercial GMP oligos, and RNA FISH products, for research, diagnostic, and therapeutic customers.
- Genotyping and Sequencing Laboratory Services Laboratory services including KASP genotyping services, DNA extraction services, genotyping by sequencing, targeted genotyping sequencing, and bioinformatics services.
Quantifiable outcome
- Synthesise between 4 and 192 oligos simultaneously
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use BioAutomation Systems
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
BioAutomation Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
BioAutomation Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- LGC GroupcoreLGC acquired BioAutomation in 2018 to complement their growing nucleic acid chemistry (NAC) portfolio with automation capabilities. BioAutomation is now integrated as part of LGC Biosearch Technologies, with manufacturing consolidated at their centre of excellence in Alexandria, Minnesota.
- African Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC)minorBioAutomation supports the AOCC's mission to improve nutrition in Africa through plant breeding by providing genotyping assays and training services through the African Plant Breeding Academy
- Biosearch TechnologiescoreThe combined NAC portfolio integrates products from Biosearch Technologies, LINK, Berry & Associates, Prime Synthesis and BioAutomation to provide a comprehensive end-to-end nucleic acid synthesis solution
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
BioAutomation Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT): IDT is one of the largest custom oligonucleotide manufacturers and reagent suppliers, offering custom oligos, probes, primers, and GMP-grade oligos for therapeutic and diagnostic applications — directly competing with BioAutomation's custom oligo synthesis services and modified reagent portfolio. IDT is owned by Danaher, providing similar parent-level scale advantages.
Broad incumbents
- Bio-Rad Laboratories: Bio-Rad is a major life-science tools company offering PCR instruments, qPCR systems, and a broad reagents portfolio that overlaps with BioAutomation's genotyping instruments (SNPline), Array Tape platform, and molecular biology reagents. Bio-Rad competes across multiple BioAutomation product categories as a much larger incumbent.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific: Thermo Fisher is the largest life-science tools and services provider, offering oligonucleotide synthesis through its GeneArt and Custom DNA Oligo services, plus extensive analytical instruments, reagents, and GMP manufacturing capabilities that overlap with BioAutomation's instrument and reagent portfolio.
- Agilent Technologies:
Market position
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks1 record
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
BioAutomation Systems social profiles
Digital presenceBioAutomation Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
BioAutomation Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
BioAutomation Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
BioAutomation Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about BioAutomation Systems
What does BioAutomation Systems do?
BioAutomation manufactures and sells the MerMade line of automated DNA/RNA oligonucleotide synthesizers in eight models capable of synthesizing 4 to 192 oligos simultaneously at scale ranges from 50 nmol to 200 μmol. The offering is complemented by a comprehensive portfolio of synthesis reagents, consumables, solid support columns, and ancillary accessories, plus custom oligo synthesis and genotyping laboratory services, for pharmaceutical, biotech, research, and academic customers globally.
Is BioAutomation Systems a public or private company?
BioAutomation Systems is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently acquired.
When was BioAutomation Systems founded?
BioAutomation Systems was founded in 1999. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is BioAutomation Systems based?
BioAutomation Systems is headquartered in Texas City, United States, in the North America region.
How does BioAutomation Systems make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Oligonucleotide Synthesizer Instruments are the primary driver. The others are synthesis Reagents and Consumables, custom Oligonucleotide Synthesis Services and genotyping and Sequencing Services.
Who are BioAutomation Systems's main competitors?
Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT) is listed as a direct peer. Broad incumbents are Bio-Rad Laboratories, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Agilent Technologies.
Does BioAutomation Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for BioAutomation Systems.
What industry is BioAutomation Systems in?
BioAutomation Systems's product category is Laboratory Instruments - Nucleic Acid Synthesis. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAIAF, Molecular Biology & Genomics Instruments (PCR/qPCR, Sequencing, Microarrays), with a secondary code of HLAAADAF, RNA Manufacturing & CMC (oligo synthesis, IVT, purification, formulation, QC). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.