Cell Separation Market Set to Double to $22.3 Billion by 2033

Introduction

The global cell separation market is forecast to grow significantly, reaching an estimated USD 22.3 billion by 2033, up from USD 9.1 billion in 2023. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.46% over the ten-year period. Key drivers of this growth include technological advancements in cell isolation processes, heightened demand from the biopharmaceutical and research sectors, and increased investment from both government and private entities.

Technological innovations are central to the expansion of the cell separation market. Enhanced techniques like centrifugation, surface marker-based separation, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting have improved the efficiency and accuracy of cell isolation, crucial for research and clinical applications. These advancements ensure high purity and viability of separated cells, addressing key requirements in varied medical fields.

The demand for cell separation technologies is also bolstered by their extensive use in biopharmaceuticals for drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and therapeutic applications. As the focus on personalized medicine and stem cell research grows, so does the need for sophisticated cell separation solutions. This is further supported by significant funding for healthcare research, which aids the adoption of advanced technologies.

Emerging applications in immunology, neuroscience, and microbiology are propelling the market further. The ability of cell separation technologies to meet the high-throughput and high-purity demands of these research areas underscores their growing importance. Additionally, the ongoing challenges posed by chronic diseases and the need for effective therapeutic solutions emphasize the role of cell separation in developing targeted treatments.

A notable recent development in the cell separation sector is the partnership between Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies and the CiRA Foundation, announced in March 2024. This collaboration aims to automate the manufacturing of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, leveraging Terumo’s Quantum Flex technology and CiRA’s expertise to enhance scalability and efficiency in iPS cell cultivation. This strategic move is set to transform the landscape of regenerative medicine, promoting the wider clinical adoption of cell-based therapies.

Key Takeaways

• The market is projected to expand from USD 9.1 billion in 2023 to USD 22.3 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.46%.
• Consumables were the largest segment in 2023, making up 61.4% of the market, primarily due to strong demand for reagents, kits, and disposables.
• Human cells represented over 58% of the market in 2023, crucial for advancing research in cancer and regenerative medicine.
• Centrifugation and MACS remain pivotal techniques, vital for efficient, high-throughput cell isolation in therapeutic and research settings.
• Biotech and pharmaceutical sectors were the primary market consumers in 2023, holding a 42.9% share, driven by substantial R&D investments.
• North America held the largest regional market share at 39.9%, while Asia-Pacific is expected to experience the fastest growth, spurred by increased healthcare investments.
• Technological advancements in microfluidics and MACS are anticipated to improve cell separation efficiency and widen their applications, propelling market growth.
• Market Key Players are Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., BD, Danaher, Terumo Corp., STEMCELL Technologies Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Merck KGaA, Agilent Technologies Inc., Corning Inc., Akadeum Life Sciences.

Cell Separation Statistics

• Cell recovery using a single-pass protocol reaches up to 91.3%.
• Effective processing rates exceed 160,000 cells per second under optimal conditions.
• A three-step protocol can process about 170,000 cells per second.
• The DEP chip can sort more than 300 million cells in under 30 minutes.
• The three-step protocol successfully removes 99.1% of red blood cells spiked with 1% cancer cells.
• Cell losses in high-efficiency sorting scenarios are less than 5%.
• Maximum throughput achieved with DEP devices is 30 times higher than previous designs.
• The new DEP chip design can separate cells at rates over 320,000 cells per second.
• Minimum cell loss reported with the new system is as low as 0.3%.
• Separation efficiencies as high as 96.4% have been achieved with this new method.
• Fibroblasts reached confluency in T75 flasks 3 days post-incubation.
• Initial cell concentration tested ranged from 1 × 10^6 to 1 × 10^8 cells per milliliter.
• The flow rate during cell capture was maintained at 1 mL per minute.
• At a concentration of 2.7 × 10^7 mL−1, the device functioned as effectively as at 1 × 10^6 mL−1.
• Mean cell recovery at 2.7 × 10^7 mL−1 was 279 ± 12.2 million cells.
• Chip saturation was observed at a concentration of 1.07 × 10^8 mL−1.
• The trap’s maximum capacity was around 350 × 10^6 cells before saturation.
• Two-pass strategy on the device improved purity of recovered cells significantly.
• After a second pass, purity of dead yeast and RBCs increased to over 93%.
• Cell losses were minimal, usually around 2.7% to 4% of total cells.
• Enhanced separation using a three-pass strategy enriched rare cancer cells to 40.5% of total cells.
• Three-pass operation resulted in a 99.1% effective removal of RBCs in cancer cell enrichment.
• After three passes, 47.7% of the initial population of cancer cells was recovered.

Emerging Trends

• Advanced Membrane Technology: Recent innovations at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in polymer science have led to significant advancements in gas separation processes. Developers have introduced ladder polymers, a new class of materials that surpass traditional materials in both selectivity and permeability. These polymers are proving to be highly efficient, robust, and durable, making them ideal for demanding industrial applications, including carbon capture and hydrogen production. Their introduction marks a significant step forward in the field, potentially revolutionizing how industries manage and utilize gases.
• Single-Cell RNA Sequencing (scRNA-Seq): Single-cell RNA sequencing is a rapidly advancing technology that allows for detailed analysis of individual cells’ transcriptomes. The scRNASeqDB, a comprehensive database, offers extensive data sets for gene expression profiling across various cell types. This technology enhances our understanding of cellular functions and interactions, providing invaluable insights into the biological complexities of different cell populations. It’s increasingly used in biomedical research, facilitating discoveries that could lead to breakthroughs in disease treatment and diagnostics.
• Regenerative Medicine: Researchers at Stanford University are pioneering techniques to reverse cellular aging using Yamanaka factors. This innovative approach has the potential to rejuvenate aged human cells effectively, offering promising new avenues for treating age-related diseases and improving longevity. The application of these techniques in regenerative medicine is gaining traction, reflecting a growing interest in developing therapies that can not only extend life but also enhance the quality of life in later years. This trend is setting new frontiers in medical science, particularly in age-associated condition interventions.

Use Cases

• Medical Applications: The development of ladder polymer technology marks a significant advance in the production of medical gases. This innovation offers a more energy-efficient method compared to traditional techniques, potentially transforming oxygen and nitrogen production. Such advancements are especially beneficial in medical settings, enhancing the availability and sustainability of oxygen therapy for patients. The implementation of this technology could improve healthcare delivery by ensuring a steady and efficient supply of essential gases.
• Agricultural and Environmental Impact: Advanced membrane technologies are revolutionizing the way we handle agricultural waste by separating carbon dioxide from biogas. This process not only supports the conversion of waste into sustainable fuel options but also helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting the use of biogas, these technologies contribute to a circular economy, where waste products are repurposed to create value, thus mitigating environmental impact and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
• Drug Discovery and Development: The application of Yamanaka factors in cell rejuvenation is opening new pathways in drug discovery. By rejuvenating cells to a more youthful state, researchers can create models that mimic healthy human cells more closely. This advancement allows for more accurate testing and prediction of drug effects on humans, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of drug development processes. This technology holds the potential to accelerate the discovery of therapeutic agents and improve outcomes in clinical settings.
• Cancer Research: Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a powerful tool in cancer research, providing detailed insights into the cellular composition of tumors. This technology allows scientists to examine cancer cells at an individual level, revealing variations within tumors and across the tumor microenvironment. Such detailed analysis is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies and understanding mechanisms of drug resistance. scRNA-seq’s ability to uncover cellular heterogeneity supports the advancement of personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to individual patient profiles.

Recent Developments

• August 2024: Terumo Corporation introduced a new corporate venture capital fund, “Terumo Ventures,” with an allocation of $75 million. This fund is focused on investing in healthcare technologies, including those related to cell therapy. The fund aims to enhance Terumo’s strategic investments and position in the healthcare industry by exploring potential mergers and acquisitions, particularly in areas such as cardiovascular disease treatment and chronic disease management. This initiative is part of Terumo’s broader 5-Year Growth Strategy to transition from device-focused solutions to broader healthcare solutions.
• In August 2024: Akadeum secured a $1 million investment led by Michigan eLab, along with other investors such as Detroit Innovate, Invest Michigan, University of Michigan MINTS, and Jeffrey Schox. This funding is aimed at expanding their market presence and enhancing their buoyancy-activated cell sorting (BACS™) microbubble solutions. The investment underscores the innovative potential of their technology in the biotech market.
• In July 2024: Thermo Fisher completed the acquisition of Olink Holding AB, a provider of next-generation proteomics solutions. The deal, valued at approximately $3.1 billion, was announced in October 2023 and completed in July 2024. This acquisition is set to enhance Thermo Fisher’s offerings in proteomics, particularly through Olink’s proprietary Proximity Extension Assay technology, which supports high-throughput protein analysis. This move aims to accelerate discoveries in human biology and the application of precision medicine.
• In July 2024: Agilent announced its acquisition of BIOVECTRA Inc., a Canadian-based Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization, for $925 million. This acquisition is set to expand Agilent’s capabilities in biopharmaceuticals, enhancing their service offerings in drug development and manufacturing. BIOVECTRA specializes in several areas including biologics and synthetic small molecules, which complements Agilent’s portfolio and aims to accelerate innovation in patient care.
• In June 2024: Acquisition of Edwards Lifesciences’ Critical Care Product Group BD announced the acquisition of Edwards Lifesciences’ Critical Care product group for $4.2 billion in June 2024. This acquisition is a strategic move to expand BD’s portfolio into advanced monitoring technologies, including AI-enabled clinical decision tools. The acquisition aims to integrate Edwards’ leading technologies with BD’s existing products, enhancing BD’s capabilities in smart connected care solutions​.
• In April 2024: STEMCELL Technologies received $45 million in government funding to construct a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facility in Burnaby, BC. This facility is set to bolster the production of biologics for cell therapy and regenerative medicine research and clinical trials, supporting the company’s expansion and innovation in the biotechnology sector​.
• In April 2024: Corning reported its first-quarter financial results, showing a notable year-over-year increase. Net sales in the Display Technologies segment rose to $872 million, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. The net income also improved significantly, registering a 26% increase to reach $201 million. This growth was largely attributed to heightened volume and strategic pricing actions implemented in the latter half of 2023​.
• In July 2023: During the second quarter of 2023, Corning’s financial outcomes reflected substantial progress. In the Environmental Technologies segment, sales climbed to $457 million, up by 6% sequentially and a notable 28% year over year, largely driven by the surge in sales of gasoline particulate filters in China following new regulatory measures. This segment also saw its net income jump to $107 million, an increase of 30% sequentially, due to improved sales and enhanced productivity measures.
• In April 2023: Merck KGaA made a significant investment of $110 million to expand its viral vector manufacturing capabilities through its subsidiary, MilliporeSigma. This investment aims to more than double the gene therapy manufacturing capacity at their Carlsbad, California facility. The expansion added 140,000 square feet to the existing site, which has been operational in gene therapy manufacturing since 1997 and currently employs approximately 175 workers​.
• In August 2022: Acquisition of Curiosity Diagnostics, Bio-Rad Laboratories acquired Curiosity Diagnostics from Scope Fluidics for a total of up to $170 million, which includes approximately $100 million in cash and up to $70 million in future milestone payments. Curiosity Diagnostics is developing a sample-to-answer, rapid diagnostics PCR system that will extend Bio-Rad’s reach in the molecular diagnostics market.

Conclusion

The global cell separation market is poised for significant expansion, projected to grow from USD 9.1 billion in 2023 to USD 22.3 billion by 2033. This growth is driven by continuous technological advancements in cell isolation techniques and a rising demand from biopharmaceutical sectors and research institutions. Enhanced cell isolation technologies, such as centrifugation and surface marker-based separation, are crucial in meeting the high standards required for research and clinical applications. Furthermore, strategic partnerships, like that between Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies and the CiRA Foundation, underscore the market’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in regenerative medicine. This market trajectory is supported by substantial investments in healthcare research, promising extensive development and adoption of cell separation technologies globally.

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