Live-Cell Imaging is a research project that combines in-vivo monitoring and analysis of live cells. It provides a thorough examination of the biological processes and functions of cells. Researchers and viewers may now view cellular processes at the molecular level thanks to live-cell imaging. Live-cell imaging is a technique for studying live cells by employing images from imaging technologies, including high content screening systems and microscopes.
The market for live cell imaging in 2021 was USD 1.95 billion and will reach USD 4.18 billion by 2030 at an 8.8% CAGR during 2021-2030.
Growing stem cell-based research endeavors and quick technological advancements in a variety of imaging methods used for live-cell observation and analysis are two key factors fostering market revenue growth throughout the forecast period.
Market Dynamics
Drivers
The rise in chronic illness incidence and the desire for rapid diagnostic methods significantly impacts the global demand for live-cell imaging. Additionally, the availability of precise and reliable live-cell imaging methods hastens the development of new drugs and other biotechnology-related studies. The market for live-cell imaging will rise due to an increase in spending and financing for the development of enhanced cell imaging. Major incumbents are increasingly buying small firms to acquire ground-breaking innovations in order to increase their market share.
Restraints
High content screening systems cost more because they include more sophisticated functions. A wide-field microscope can cost more than $100,000, whereas a confocal microscope can cost more than $250,000. Therefore, because these systems are more expensive, it is becoming harder for regular internet users to afford them, which impedes market growth.
The maintenance fees and several other indirect charges, in addition to the high purchase price of these systems, drive up their overall cost.
Opportunity
Due to the expanding R&D activities of numerous firms in countries like Brazil, China, India, and Russia are new participants in the live cell imaging market and provide considerable prospects for live-cell imaging systems. The National Bureau of Statistics said that in 2021, China spent around 2.79 trillion yuan (or $441.13 billion), an increase of 14.2% from the previous year.
Market Segmentation
By product
The equipment segment held a significant market position, with the largest share of nearly 39%. The standalone sub-segment of the equipment segment will rule the overall market. These systems can run independently of any additional hardware. The numerous applications of these systems in live-cell imaging and the growing emphasis on R&D are key factors driving this market segment.
By application
The cell biology segment led the overall market for live cell imaging because of the increasing amount of studies on molecular interaction networks. Aside from this, other cutting-edge technologies that heavily influence the process are the sophisticated illumination systems and filtration approaches.
By technology
On the basis of technology, the largest market share was held by the fluorescence resonance energy transfer segment owing to its numerous benefits in determining the spatial proximity in the protein levels. Additionally, the increasing use of genetic peptides has recently made this technology more well-known. According to a study published in 2021 titled “Studying SARS-CoV-2 with Fluorescence Microscopy,” it is possible to successfully examine the molecular biology of SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses using a fluorescence microscope. The market will grow as more live cell imaging equipment is used to study the molecular biology of the COVID-19 virus.
Regional Insights
North America held a considerable place in the market, with the largest share in 2020. It is due to the growing senior population and a larger patient pool. The significant funding and commitment made available for live-cell imaging research are the region’s main motivators. The United States has the largest market share in the region of North America because of factors like the rise in chronic illnesses and the number of R&D programs in the country. In the United States, there were approximately 34,800 new HIV infections in 2020, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over 13% of HIV-positive Americans, according to the same source, are unaware of their condition and need a rapid diagnosis.
Key Players
- Olympus Corporation (Japan)
- PerkinElmer, Inc. (U.S.)
- Danaher Corporation (U.S.)
- Carl Zeiss AG (Germany)
- Nikon Corporation (Japan)
- G.E. Healthcare (U.S.)
- Sartorius AG (Germany)
- Oxford Instruments (U.K.)
- Bruker Corporation (U.S.)
- Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.)
- BioTek Instruments (US)
- CytoSMART Technologies (Netherlands)
- Etaluma, Inc. (U.S.)
- Deepcell Inc.
- NanoEnTek Inc. (Korea)
- Phase Focus Limited (U.K.)
- Sony Biotechnology, Inc. (U.S.)
- Merck KGaA (Germany)
- KEYENCE Corporation (Japan)
- ibidi GmbH (Germany)
- Bio-Rad Laboratories (U.S.)
- Tomocube, Inc. (South Korea)
- Phase Holographic Imaging PHI AB (Sweden)
- B.D. Biosciences (U.S.
- Logos Biosystems (South Korea)
- Nanolive SA (Switzerland).
The market for live cell imaging in 2021 was USD 1.95 billion and will reach USD 4.18 billion by 2030 at an 8.8% CAGR during 2021-2030. Due to the rising illness burden and rising elderly population around the world, the live cell imaging market is expanding rapidly on a global scale. Additionally, the market will develop as high-content screening approaches are used in drug discovery.
