Separations Systems for Commercial Biotechnology

Report Highlights

• Biotech separations is a $2.1 billion in the U.S. in 2003 and is projected to rise to $3.6 billion in 2008, at an average annual rate (AAGR) of 11.0%.
• Fast runs, high throughput and reproducibility are factors in liquid chromatography’s dominance. Rising at an AAGR of 11.3%, this segment will increase to $1.69 billion in 2008.
• Competition from membrane technologies should continue to limit growth of centrifugation to an AAGR of 6.0% through 2008
• Readily met sanitary design regulations, easily enclosed systems and greater recovery rates contribute to an AAGR of 14.1% for membrane filtration. Sales should reach $673 million in 2008.
• Electrophoresis systems, led by capillary designs, will rise at an AAGR of 8.3% from $249 million in 2003 to $371 million in 2008.

INTRODUCTION

Separations in biotechnology have considerable appeal, with the need for greater sensitivity, selectivity and speed driving the rapid pace of developments, particularly in the areas of genomic and proteomic research. These emerging fields require miniaturized, precise systems and instruments that can parallel-process large numbers of samples quickly and accurately. Enhanced computer technology, microfluidic platforms and hybrid systems are at the forefront of developments for helping scientists perform high-throughput integrated processing and analysis of smaller-size samples. The challenge ahead for biotech separations is in processing sample sizes in the micro and nano range and concentrations at the micromole and femtomole level.

The U.S. market for biotech separations continues to evolve and expand, as research seeks to develop and improve processes and technologies. The surge of activity in biotechnology development, particularly in the fields of genomics and proteomics, has brought with it a need for efficient, cost-effective separations and purification processes.

This newly-updated BCC technical market study explores the increasing opportunities that advancements in the field are projected to bring. It provides an in-depth analysis of the U.S. market for this high value-added niche market segment of the life sciences industry.

As a valuable basic market reference and technology summary, this comprehensive BCC report consolidates a range of industrial and technical information that should aid biotech separations manufacturers in keeping current with today's marketplace.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The timely BCC report:

• Tracks significant advances with current market applicability
• Discusses emerging technologies with nearterm market impact
• Analyzes cornerstone technologies, including chromatography, electrophoresis, centrifugation and membrane filtration
• Details current and projected market values through 2008 for systems and aftermarket sales
• Delves into novel techniques with possible future viability
• Analyzes U.S. market trends and economic indicators
• Evaluates major players in the industry.

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

The methodology employed to obtain the data found in Separations in Biotechnology consists of extensive telephone interviews with key executives of the leading U.S. companies involved in biotech separations. The expert and reasoned comments of these sources, combined with information gleaned from trade journals, patents, company reports, press releases, product literature, and government documents germane to the fields of separations and biotechnology, provide the basis for the contents of this report. Where precise information was not available, a consensus was made using a formulation of reasonable assumptions and estimates based on historical data.

ANALYST'S CREDENTIALS

The author of this report, Norma Corbitt, has 17 years of experience as a BCC editor and project analyst. Ms. Corbitt has written several other BCC reports, including Advanced Drug Delivery Systems and Advanced Inorganic Membranes. She is the editor of BCC's monthly newsletter, Food Ingredient News, and the past editor of two others, Flame Retardancy News and Waste Technology News. She has also served as an assistant editor on High Tech Separations News (now Analytic Separations News), Membrane & Separations Technology News, and Battery and EV Technology News.