Cryopreservation Equipment Market to Reach USD 25.6 Billion by 2033

Introduction

The Global Cryopreservation Equipment Market is projected to reach approximately USD 25.6 billion by 2033, up from USD 8.1 billion in 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.20% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2033.

Cryopreservation equipment refers to specialized devices and tools used to preserve biological samples—such as cells, tissues, sperm, embryos, and other biological materials—at ultra-low temperatures to maintain their viability for future use. The Cryopreservation Equipment Market encompasses the development, production, and distribution of various technologies, including cryogenic freezers, refrigerators, and storage containers, employed in medical, pharmaceutical, and research applications. Key growth drivers in the market include increasing advancements in stem cell research, biopharmaceutical production, and fertility preservation.

Additionally, rising demand for organ transplantation, coupled with growing awareness of regenerative medicine and personalized healthcare, is fueling the need for efficient cryopreservation solutions. Opportunities within the market are expected to expand with innovations in cryogenic storage and the adoption of automated cryopreservation systems that enhance precision and reduce human error. As the biotechnology and healthcare industries continue to evolve, the market is poised for sustained growth, driven by a rising need for storage and preservation of biological materials.

Key Takeaways

• The global market is projected to grow from USD 8.1 billion in 2023 to USD 25.6 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 12.20% from 2024 to 2033.
• Freezers hold the largest share in the equipment category, accounting for 37% of the market.
• Liquid nitrogen leads the cryogen segment, commanding a 34% market share.
• The semen and testicular tissues application segment holds the largest share at 41%.
• Research and academic institutes are the dominant end-users, representing 46% of the market.
• North America is the leading region in the market, holding a 37% share.

Advantages of Cryopreservation

• Cryopreservation is a highly effective technique for conserving the genetic resources of endangered plant species, aiding in the preservation of their fertility for future restoration efforts.
• It enables the long-term storage of a wide variety of biological samples, keeping them free from contamination or degradation over extended periods.
• The process has simplified the transportation of biological specimens across long distances, both within and outside national borders, due to its ability to preserve samples for years.
• By freezing samples at a specific developmental stage, cryopreservation ensures their viability for indefinite storage, making them available for future research and use.
• It significantly reduces the time needed for research projects, as scientists can access preserved biological materials without waiting for fresh, viable samples.

Disadvantages of Cryopreservation

• One key challenge is the formation of ice crystals inside cells during freezing, which can rupture cell membranes and cause irreversible damage.
• The improper use of cryoprotectants can harm the cells, reducing their survival and effectiveness after thawing.
• Water migration during the freezing process can result in the creation of ice outside the cells and lead to cellular dehydration, both of which stress and potentially damage the cells.
• As there is no one-size-fits-all protocol for cryopreserving biological samples, it requires specialized knowledge and considerable time to properly store and preserve delicate specimens.

Report Scope

Top Use Cases

• Stem Cell Storage and Banking: Cryopreservation is widely used in the storage of stem cells, a crucial component in regenerative medicine. cryopreservation being the method of choice to maintain stem cell viability over extended periods. Stem cells are preserved at temperatures as low as -196°C, allowing for long-term storage and future use in treatments for various diseases such as leukemia, anemia, and certain genetic disorders.
• Fertility Preservation: Cryopreservation is increasingly used for preserving human eggs, sperm, and embryos for fertility treatments. This has become an essential service, particularly for women undergoing cancer treatments or those wishing to delay childbirth. Cryopreservation accounting for a significant portion of this growth. The process ensures that viable reproductive cells are stored for future use without degradation.
• Biopharmaceutical Production: The pharmaceutical industry uses cryopreservation to maintain the integrity of biological products such as vaccines, therapeutic proteins, and monoclonal antibodies. According to recent reports, the biopharmaceutical industry is projected to grow by over 8% annually, and cryopreservation plays a crucial role in maintaining the shelf life and potency of these bioproducts, particularly in global distribution.
• Agricultural Seed Preservation: Cryopreservation is applied in the agricultural industry to preserve plant seeds, including rare and endangered species. With the rise of climate change concerns and the need for biodiversity conservation, agricultural cryopreservation has gained significance. Cryopreserved seeds can remain viable for decades, enabling plant species to be revived if needed, especially for maintaining food security.
• Gene Therapy and Personalized Medicine: Cryopreservation equipment is a key part of the gene therapy pipeline. In personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to individual genetic profiles, preserving cells and tissues at ultra-low temperatures ensures that they can be stored for future genetic modifications or for use in clinical trials.Cryopreservation playing a key role in maintaining the integrity of patient cells for these therapies.

Major Challenges

• High Costs of Equipment and Maintenance: Cryopreservation technology is expensive, both in terms of initial equipment purchase and ongoing maintenance. For example, a liquid nitrogen tank used for cryopreservation can cost upwards of USD 20,000, and ensuring that it operates without interruption involves regular maintenance and monitoring. Small clinics or research institutions may struggle with the upfront investment and the costs of long-term operation, limiting the widespread adoption of cryopreservation technologies.
• Cell Damage During Freezing and Thawing: One of the major challenges in cryopreservation is minimizing cellular damage during the freezing and thawing process. Ice crystal formation can damage the cell structure, leading to poor survival rates once cells are thawed. Despite advancements in cryoprotectant solutions, studies have shown that survival rates for certain cell types post-thaw can remain below 70%. This challenge hampers the overall efficiency and success rate of cryopreservation in some biological applications.
• Storage Space Limitations: Cryopreservation requires large-scale, temperature-controlled storage facilities, especially when dealing with biological samples in large quantities. According to industry reports, as of 2022, the average storage cost for biobanks is around USD 50,000 annually for a facility to store around 100,000 samples. For small-scale operations, the space required for such facilities can be a significant limiting factor.
• Regulatory and Quality Control Compliance: Cryopreservation equipment must comply with stringent regulatory standards, particularly in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors. Regulations vary across regions and can often be difficult to navigate, resulting in delays and increased costs for organizations trying to implement cryopreservation solutions. For example, the FDA and EMA require rigorous validation procedures for equipment and processes used in clinical trials, adding another layer of complexity to the adoption of cryopreservation technology.
• Risk of Contamination and Cross-Contamination: Despite advancements in cryopreservation protocols, there is always a risk of contamination when handling biological samples. Even small amounts of contamination can render entire batches of stored samples unusable, particularly in industries like stem cell storage or gene therapy. Cross-contamination during the storage process is a significant concern, and maintaining sterile conditions across a large number of samples is a persistent challenge.

Key Player Analysis

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.: Thermo Fisher Scientific is a global leader in scientific instrumentation, reagents, and consumables. The company offers a wide range of cryopreservation equipment including cryogenic freezers, cryovials, and cryogenic storage systems. Their equipment is widely used in biotechnology, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries. A notable portion driven by its Life Sciences segment, which includes cryopreservation solutions.
• Merck KGaA: Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is a leading player in the life sciences and technology sectors. The company offers cryopreservation solutions through its Biosciences division, which includes advanced cryopreservation systems, liquid nitrogen storage tanks, and freezers. Merck’s cryopreservation technologies are crucial in fields like cell therapy, regenerative medicine, and biotechnology. Source
• Linde LLC: Linde LLC, part of the Linde Group, provides cryogenic solutions, including storage systems and equipment for cryopreservation. The company’s technologies are vital in industries like healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and energy. Linde’s cryogenic technology offers cutting-edge solutions for storing biological samples at extremely low temperatures. Source
• Chart Biomedical Co. Ltd.: Chart Biomedical, a division of Chart Industries, specializes in cryogenic storage and transportation solutions for biological materials. They provide liquid nitrogen storage tanks, cryogenic freezers, and systems for clinical and research applications. Their Biomedical division contributing significantly. Their equipment is essential for the storage of cells, tissues, and organs in the medical field.
• Praxair Technology Inc.: Praxair, now part of Linde Group, provides gas and cryogenic equipment, including those used for the preservation of biological materials. Their products include cryogenic storage tanks, and cryo-coolers, which are widely used in the life sciences and medical sectors. The company’s cryogenic technologies are key to sectors like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare.

Regional Analysis

The Asia-Pacific region is the dominant market for cryopreservation equipment, holding a significant share of 37% in 2023. This leadership is driven by increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure, advancements in biotechnology, and a surge in research activities across countries like China, Japan, India, and South Korea.

China’s robust biotechnology sector, Japan’s innovations in medical research, and India’s expanding healthcare market, especially in reproductive health and fertility treatments, all contribute to the region’s growth. The growing number of research institutions and biotechnology companies, along with favorable government support and regulatory environments, further reinforce the region’s dominance. As a result, Asia-Pacific is poised to maintain its leading position, supported by rising demand for cryopreservation technologies in stem cell research, biobanking, and regenerative medicine.

Recent Developments

• In 2023, CGT Global introduced its CellsExpress Bulk Cell Isolation service, designed to streamline the process of isolating cells for researchers. This innovation allows scientists to increase their cell output, saving time and resources for more critical aspects of their research. With a variety of isolated cells available, including B cells, T cells, and NK cells, researchers can now rely on CGT Global’s high-quality products, processed from fresh materials and cryopreserved to ensure top-tier cell viability and quality.
• In 2024, BioLife Solutions, a leader in biopreservation products, announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year-end 2023. The company also provided a revenue outlook for 2024, focusing on its growth in the cell and gene therapy market and its role in supporting the biopharma industry.
• In 2025, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, launched the M-Trust cyber-physical trust platform, a new solution aimed at tackling issues such as product safety, traceability, and counterfeiting in the life sciences. The platform is designed to enhance security and transparency in the supply chain, addressing key challenges in the pharmaceutical industry.
• In 2024, Thermo Scientific unveiled its next-gen TSX Universal ultra-low temperature freezers. Built with more than 80 years of innovation, these freezers feature cutting-edge V-drive cooling technology, offering faster cooling times, improved energy efficiency, and greater reliability for laboratories handling sensitive materials.
• On October 7, 2024, Cryoport announced the opening of its new IntegriCell cryopreservation facility in Houston, Texas. This state-of-the-art center is dedicated to the cryopreservation of leukapheresis materials, providing seamless integration with Cryoport’s global temperature-controlled supply chain, supporting the development of cell-based therapies.
• In November 2024, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) shared its financial results for FY24, highlighting its strategic shift toward high-growth areas such as biologics, AI, and automation. The company’s focus on technological advancements and its acquisition of Edwards Lifesciences’ Critical Care product group position BD to continue delivering innovative solutions in patient care.

Conclusion

The cryopreservation equipment market is poised for significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for advanced preservation technologies across various industries, including healthcare, biotechnology, and agriculture. As the need for stem cell storage, fertility preservation, and biopharmaceutical production continues to rise, innovations in cryopreservation methods and equipment are expected to enhance efficiency and expand the scope of applications.

Despite challenges such as high costs, storage limitations, and potential risks to sample integrity, ongoing research and technological advancements are expected to mitigate these obstacles. With favorable regulatory environments and increasing investments in the healthcare and biotechnology sectors, the cryopreservation equipment market is on track for sustained expansion, offering substantial opportunities for key stakeholders in the coming years.

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