Automating Oligonucleotide Synthesis for Scalable, Standardized Production
From Fragmented Systems to a Unified Platform
A global life sciences and diagnostics manufacturer sought to modernize and standardize its oligonucleotide synthesis operations across multiple facilities. Ascential delivered a unified, automated platform that improved reagent efficiency, reduced labor dependency, and enhanced system reliability which positioned the organization for scalable, cost-effective production.
Standardized system replacing multiple legacy solutions
One Platform0
Reduced reagent waste and manual labor requirements
Improved Efficiency0
Enhanced process control across sites and applications
Increased Consistency0
The Challenge
Oligonucleotide synthesis is foundational to modern molecular biology, diagnostics, and therapeutics development. However, legacy systems (often sourced from multiple vendors) can introduce variability, inefficiencies, and operational complexity that limit scalability.
The client needed to consolidate and modernize its synthesis infrastructure to support growing demand and evolving applications. Key challenges included:
Standardization
Unify synthesis processes across multiple facilities and legacy platforms
Technology Modernization
Replace outdated equipment with a system capable of supporting advanced chemistry and improved performance
Operational Complexity
Integrate disparate systems from different manufacturers into a single, cohesive platform
Scalability & Cost Control
Reduce variability, labor requirements, and reagent waste while improving serviceability
Ascential's Solution
Ascential designed and implemented a unified oligonucleotide column synthesizer system, replacing multiple legacy platforms with a single, upstream solution.
By applying a Design for Standardization approach, the team streamlined synthesis workflows and reduced system complexity across sites.
Key elements of the solution included:
Consolidation of multiple systems into a single, standardized platform to simplify maintenance and operations
Integration of advanced chemistry and updated equipment to improve performance and reliability
Reduction of manual handling and reagent waste, improving both quality and throughput
Advancement of the system into qualification trials, supporting readiness for broader deployment
This approach enabled tighter process control while creating a scalable foundation for future growth.
Technical Capabilities Delivered
Capability
What Ascential Built
Automated Synthesis Platform
Unified oligonucleotide column synthesizer system replacing multiple legacy platforms to standardize workflows across sites
Chemistry Integration
Updated chemistry and fluidic processes to support improved synthesis performance and consistency
Fluidics & Reagent Management
Automated fluid handling and reagent delivery designed to reduce waste and minimize manual intervention
Process Standardization
Design for standardization across facilities to reduce variability, improve repeatability, and streamline maintenance
Operational Scalability
Platform designed to support expanded throughput and consistent performance across multiple sites
Qualification & Deployment Support
System advanced into qualification trials to enable broader deployment and operational readiness
Key Results
Through system consolidation and standardization, the client achieved measurable improvements in operational performance:
Improved reagent and labor efficiency, reducing waste and manual intervention
Deployment of a single, unified system, improving serviceability and cost control
Increased process consistency and scalability across multiple sites
Why It Matters
As demand for molecular diagnostics, gene therapies, and advanced research tools continues to grow, the ability to standardize and scale oligonucleotide production is critical.
By transitioning from fragmented systems to a unified, automated platform, the client established a more efficient and resilient manufacturing model which enables faster innovation, improved quality, and long-term cost optimization.
For organizations operating in complex, regulated environments, this approach demonstrates how standardization and automation can unlock both operational efficiency and strategic advantage.
Your Complex Workflow Requires Scalable Precision
Looking to standardize and scale complex production workflows? Ascential partners with life sciences leaders to design, automate, and manufacture systems that accelerate commercialization while reducing risk.