The recent market expansion has been driven by a need for high throughput screening in genomics and drug discovery, according to a recent report
Microplate readers are essential laboratory instruments used to analyse one or more parameters within microplates, such as absorbance, fluorescence, or luminescence signals. They are used for a variety of laboratory tasks, including quantifying protein, gene expression or metabolic processes; evaluating enzyme reactions; detecting diseases in cells; performing end point tasks; performing kinetic analyses; and detecting and measuring antibodies, proteins or antigens in biological samples.
How do they work?
Microplate readers work by detecting and quantifying light signals produced by liquid samples; they use different detection modes and a standard curve to determine the experimental values as well as multiwell plates which are integral to the microplate reader and allow for many experiments to be performed at once.
Significant market growth
A report released in November 2024 by research company Transparency Market Research predicts that the global microplate reader market will see compound annual growth rate of 7.0% to reach US$834.4m by 2031 (the market was valued at US$461.3 in 2022).
This surge will be driven by the requirement for high-throughput screening in genomics and drug discovery, as well as increased demand in life sciences research and diagnostics.
Technological breakthroughs
Microplate readers have evolved because of technological breakthroughs that have improved their features and broadened their range of applications. Modern technology integration has helped to increase the versatility and effectiveness of these instruments.
Advancements currently include multi-mode detection capabilities. Furthermore, increased sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratios have been made possible by sophisticated detectors, better light sources, and precise optics, all of these present profitable prospects for market growth.
Key findings
According to the report, the market for clinical trials is likely to grow at around 10% annually, creating a substantial need for advanced laboratory equipment. In 2022, the single-mode readers segment dominated the market. Dedicated instruments are increasingly needed for applications requiring specialised measurements, including enzyme assays, cell viability tests, or the detection of certain biomolecules, owing to their precision and accuracy. Measurements with higher sensitivity and specificity are possible thanks to single-mode readers, which are frequently tailored for a specific detection technique.
Single mode readers
Single-mode microplate readers measure only one detection technology (for example absorbance or nucleic acid detection) and they are the best choice when it is clear that the instrument will be used for just one application. Such tasks are typically fairly long-term and they block the microplate reader for other measurements meaning one mode is sufficient. Examples of such studies include microbial growth monitoring which takes one or more days, or fluorescence detection of thioflavin T experiments which take up to a week.
Multi-mode readers
Multi-mode readers are needed when a laboratory wants to measure several properties such as enzyme activity in combination with the quantity of DNA and proteins in a specimen for example. Lab technicians that currently plan applications based on one detection mode but think they may want to change in the future may want to consider a model that can be upgraded to a multi-mode machine.
The Global Microplate Reader Market: Key Players
All the major companies in the field are incorporating the aforementioned developments in the microplate reader industry into their products in order to remain competitive. The following companies are well-known participants in the global microplate reader market:
• BMG LabTech (for more insight into the company’s work see the ‘Innovations in cannabis research’ on page 22).
• Bio-Rad Laboratories
• Merck KgaA
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• Dynex Technologies Inc
• Grifols, S.A
• Tecan Group Ltd
• Monobind
Regional outlook
The report from Transparency Market Research found that North America leads the global industry. The region’s market dynamics are being driven by the presence of major companies and improved infrastructure in research laboratories. Two key drivers of the increase in demand are the rise in the number of clinical trials and the sizable government funding of current R&D projects.
The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries using the technology are also located mostly in the US, according to the report, and the need for microplate readers is driven by ongoing innovation and expansion in drug research and screening.
In order to bolster their positions, major companies in the industry are increasingly focused on partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and the introduction of new products; and those observing the industry can expect to see an uptick in activity of this sort in the years to come.
For more information visit: www.transparencymarketresearch.com/microplate-readers-market.html
