Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – May 28, 2025 – The Global Cell Cryopreservation Market size is expected to be worth around US$ 80.6 billion by 2034 from US$ 11.5 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 21.5% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034.
Cell cryopreservation, the process of preserving living cells at sub-zero temperatures, is gaining significant momentum across biomedical research and clinical applications. By suspending biological activity, this technique ensures long-term storage and viability of various cell types including stem cells, immune cells, and reproductive cells. It serves as a critical enabler for cell-based therapies, regenerative medicine, and personalized healthcare.
Cryopreserved cells are widely used in clinical trials, cancer immunotherapy, tissue engineering, and reproductive technologies. These applications require cells to retain their functionality post-thaw, which is achieved through optimized cryoprotective agents and controlled-rate freezing protocols. Research institutions and biobanks across the globe are adopting cryopreservation to ensure consistent and repeatable access to high-quality cell samples.
Government and healthcare organizations continue to support biobanking infrastructure, recognizing its importance in advancing translational medicine and genomic research. Additionally, increased demand for off-the-shelf cell therapies is driving innovation in cryopreservation methods, with a focus on reducing cellular damage and improving post-thaw viability.
The integration of cryopreservation with automated storage and monitoring systems is further enhancing the scalability and safety of this process. As the global life sciences sector moves toward precision medicine, the role of reliable cell preservation technologies becomes increasingly essential. Cell cryopreservation stands at the forefront of biological storage science, offering a bridge between cutting-edge research and real-world clinical solutions.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, the cell cryopreservation market was valued at USD 5 billion, and it is projected to reach USD 80.6 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 21.5%.
- Within the product segment, consumables accounted for the largest share, capturing 58.7% of the market in 2023. Other components include cell freezing media and equipment.
- Based on application, stem cells dominated the market, contributing 48.3% of the total revenue. Other key applications include hepatocytes, oocytes and embryonic cells, sperm cells, and others.
- In terms of end use, IVF clinics emerged as the leading segment, holding the highest share at 52.8% in 2023. Additional end users include biobanks, biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical companies, research institutes, and others.
- North America was the leading regional market, accounting for 39.5% of the global revenue in 2023.
Segmentation Analysis
- Product Analysis: In 2023, the consumables segment led the cell cryopreservation market with a 58.7% share. This dominance is attributed to the rising use of cryovials, freezing media, and preservation kits in stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and biobanking. The demand is driven by the need to maintain cell viability and function during storage. Increasing reliance on personalized medicine and complex cell-based therapies is expected to sustain the segment’s growth in both clinical and research settings.
- Application Analysis: Stem cells accounted for 48.3% of the market in 2023, driven by their expanding role in regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies. Hematopoietic, mesenchymal, and induced pluripotent stem cells are increasingly being preserved for future use in gene therapies and immunotherapies. Technological improvements in freezing and thawing methods have enhanced the viability of stored cells. As demand rises for personalized treatment in chronic and degenerative diseases, the stem cell segment is expected to witness sustained growth.
- End-use Analysis: The IVF clinics segment held the highest market share of 52.8% in 2023, due to increasing demand for assisted reproductive technologies. Cryopreservation is critical in storing oocytes, sperm, and embryos used in fertility treatments. Rising infertility rates, especially among older populations, are driving the adoption of IVF procedures. The expansion of personalized reproductive care and improvements in cryopreservation efficiency are expected to further strengthen this segment’s contribution to the cell cryopreservation market.
Market Segments
By Product
- Consumables
- Cooler Boxes/Containers
- Cryogenic Tubes
- Cryogenic Vials
- Others
- Cell Freezing Media
- Dimethyl Sulfoxide
- Ethylene Glycol
- Glycerol
- Others
- Equipment
- Freezers
- Incubators
- Liquid Nitrogen Supply Tanks
By Application
- Hepatocytes
- Oocytes & Embryotic Cells
- Sperm Cells
- Stem Cells
- Others
By End-use
- Biobanks
- Biopharmaceutical & Pharmaceutical Companies
- IVF Clinics
- Research Institutes
- Others
Regional Analysis
North America and Asia Pacific Lead Cell Cryopreservation Market
In 2023, North America led the global cell cryopreservation market with a 39.5% revenue share. This dominance is driven by increased adoption of cell-based therapies, advancements in regenerative medicine, and a growing focus on personalized healthcare. The region benefits from a strong biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry that increasingly relies on efficient cryopreservation methods to support stem cell research, immunotherapies, and tissue engineering. A notable development occurred in October 2024, when Nucleus Biologics introduced NB-KUL DF, a novel cryopreservation medium designed to enhance therapeutic outcomes and reduce costs.
Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is expected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to improving healthcare infrastructure, rising investments in biotechnology, and expanding regenerative medicine programs. Countries like China, India, and Japan are intensifying efforts in stem cell and cancer therapies, fueling demand for reliable cell preservation technologies. Additionally, rising chronic disease burdens and increased government support for clinical trials and biotech research are expected to strengthen the region’s position in the global market, driving long-term adoption of advanced cryopreservation solutions.
Emerging Trends
- Vitrification Adoption: The use of ultra-rapid freezing (vitrification) has increased. Post-thaw cell survival rates of over 90 percent have been reported, compared with 50–70 percent in traditional slow-freezing methods. This shift can be attributed to reduced ice-crystal formation and improved cell integrity during thawing.
- Standardization Efforts: Consensus-based guidelines are being developed to harmonize protocols across laboratories. A prominent project led by professional bodies aims to establish unified criteria for selecting cryoprotectants, cooling rates, and validation steps, ensuring reproducibility and regulatory compliance.
- Automation and Monitoring: Automated liquid-nitrogen storage systems are entering clinical use. These units enable software-controlled temperature regulation and real-time monitoring, minimizing human error and thermal excursions. Regulatory agencies now classify such devices under assisted-reproduction accessories to streamline their approval.
- Optimized Cryoprotectant Media: Research on cryoprotective solutions has increased focus on formulations that balance permeability and osmotic stress. Studies comparing human dermal fibroblasts frozen in different media for up to 24 months have begun to identify optimal mixtures that maintain cell viability above industry-acceptable thresholds.
Use Cases
- Regenerative Medicine and Biobanking: Primary human cells (e.g., fibroblasts, keratinocytes, mesenchymal stem cells) have been stored for over two years with retention of functional characteristics. Viability assessments after 1 and 3 months showed consistent recovery, supporting long-term cell banking for tissue engineering.
- Immunotherapy and CAR-T Products: Cryopreservation is integral to adoptive cell therapies. In comparative studies, post-thaw viabilities of peripheral blood mononuclear cells averaged ≥ 89 percent across different freezing media. These high survival rates underpin scalable manufacturing of CAR-T and other personalized immunotherapies.
- Clinical Trial Logistics: Many Phase I/II trials of cellular therapies rely on frozen cell doses. For example, CAR-20/19-T cells are cryopreserved and later administered at doses up to 2.5 × 10 cells/kg. This flexibility allows multi-site studies while ensuring product consistency across cohorts.
- Fertility Preservation: Egg and embryo cryobanking account for 41 percent of assisted-reproductive technology (ART) cycles in the United States. Frozen embryo transfers yielded live-birth rates of 41.3 percent and pregnancy rates of 51.4 percent in 2018–2020 data, illustrating the critical role of cryostorage in reproductive care.
Conclusion
Cell cryopreservation has emerged as a vital component in modern biomedical research, regenerative therapies, and reproductive healthcare. Its ability to preserve cell functionality over extended periods supports diverse applications, from immunotherapy and stem cell treatments to clinical trials and fertility preservation. Technological advancements, such as vitrification and automated storage, continue to improve post-thaw viability and operational efficiency.
Strong support from healthcare systems and increasing demand for personalized medicine are further driving adoption. As innovation and standardization evolve, cell cryopreservation is set to remain a cornerstone technology bridging laboratory discoveries with scalable, real-world clinical solutions across the global healthcare landscape.
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