Nucleic Acid Labeling Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Reagents, Kits), By Labeling Type, By Method, By Application, By Sector, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027

Report Overview

The global nucleic acid labeling market size was valued at USD 1.64 billion in 2019 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.81% from 2020 to 2027. Key growth contributors include the advent of novel genomic research platforms and highly prevalent molecular disorders that demand the use of nucleic acid-based detection techniques. Penetration of nucleic acid labels is set to witness elevation across DNA microarrays, further supplementing the market growth from 2020 to 2027. The introduction of advanced product offerings pertaining to nucleic acid detection, along with the expanding pool of commercial manufacturers, strengthens the revenue generation capacity of the nucleic acid labeling industry.

Recent advancements in the nanotechnology industry have led to significant progress across point-of-care (POC)-based nucleic acid detection. The potential application of POC solutions includes sensing RNA and DNA in a portable format. This makes it an attractive choice amongst professionals operating across a series of healthcare sectors, such as on-site detection and bedside/patient side diagnostics. Research activities performed on these lines are reviewing recent innovations aimed at exploring the use of read-out modalities, sample preparation, and target amplification. Thus, with the advent of novel nanotechnology solutions, point-of-care nucleic acid detection is set to gain immense traction in accessible testing and decentralized testing, thereby driving the market.

It is imperative for professionals to consider certain factors while selecting a labeling system. These include desired detection method, hybridization type, resolution and sensitivity, the method chosen to incorporate a specific label, and stability achieved post labeling. Among these, both the type and size of the nucleic acid are pivotal to the selection of the correct labeling protocol/system. For instance, RNA for blots, large DNA, plasmid DNA, and in-situ hybridization can be labeled via random labels that are coupled covalently.

These covalent probes display excellent sensitivity, whereas enzymatic labeling serves as an economically viable approach for laboratory professionals by multi labeling of the sample in PCR methods. Moreover, for shorter sequences such as that of oligonucleotides, ordering a sample that has been already labeled serves as an advantage. Several companies such as Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc. and Genewiz operating in this market space offer pre-labeled DNA.

Nucleic acid-based diagnostics play a pivotal role in the field of prenatal tests, disease risk management, cancer, and infectious disease testing by ensuring rapid turnaround times. Moreover, on account of the rising prevalence of genetic disorders, healthcare professionals are keen on investing in the development of products related to nucleic acid analytics. Contrastingly, the lack of skilled professionals in this sector unable to use the newly developed systems and equipment to their full potential is set to hamper the efficiency of results associated with nucleic acid labeling protocols, further hindering the market expansion.

Product Insights

The reagents segment accounted for the largest share of 42.77% in 2019. This is attributed to the high costs and routine usage of the same in both chemical and enzymatic labeling protocols.  The dominance of reagents is attributed to the recurrent usage of these products in labeling protocols, followed by continuous developments in this area to further enhance the efficiency of these protocols. While chemical methods serve as a pertinent method for large-scale nucleic acid labeling, enzymatic methods have proven to be an affordable approach for small-scale probe generation applications; both methods make routine use of conventional and novel enzymes.

The kits segment is expected to as the most lucrative segment, registering a CAGR of 9.33% from 2020 to 2027. Manufacturers are focusing on designing kits that extend across varied applications, further increasing the introduction of cutting-edge nucleic acid labeling kits in the market. One such manufacturer is Vector Laboratories. The company develops 5’ E’ ndTag/3’ E’ ndTag kits that are designed for the attachment of an affinity tag or a single fluorochrome at the required end of nucleic acids. The 5’ E’ ndTag labeling kit manufactured by the company makes use of both RNA and DNA in the form of a substrate, while the company’s 3’ E’ ndTag kit labels DNA selectively.

Labeling Type Insights

The radioactive labels segment accounted for the largest share of 65.97% in 2019. Radiolabeled nucleotides are most preferred across various applications related to nucleic acid sequences for their detection. These labeled nucleic acid sequences are largely incorporated into RNA and DNA via enzyme-based methods for analytical purposes. Apart from the above, several other methods exist through which the labeled nucleic acid sequences can be incorporated, which include in vitro transcription approaches via T7 or T3 RNA polymerase, SP6, and DNAse 1 & DNA Polymerase 1 through nick translation among others.

Non-radioactive nucleotide labels are presently being used extensively owing to their sensitivity, safety, relative speed, and versatility. Additionally, the most frequently employed labels include fluorescent tags. These tags are synthesized, followed by their incorporation in oligonucleotides, which has further proved useful for several therapeutic applications. Apart from the oligonucleotides, these tags can also be attached to distinct proteins, molecules, and groups that are chemically active, such as streptavidin, biotin, or fluorophores.

Method Insights

The enzyme-based method segment accounted for the largest share of 57.10% in 2019, which is cumulative revenue generated by PCR, 5' end labeling, 3' end labeling, and other enzyme-based methods. The dominance of the enzyme-based method over the chemical-based method is attributed to its high adoption and preference in generating small-scale probes. Enzymatic methods also present an economical approach.

Both enzymatic and chemical methods aimed at the generation of labeled nucleic acid, with radioactive phosphates, fluorophores, enzymes, and digoxygenin/ biotin-modified nucleotides, currently exist in abundance in the market. Thus, entities operating in the nucleic acid labeling market are keen on expanding their portfolio to sustain the intensifying industry competition. Bioconjugation methods used to generate nucleic acid probes are also preferably used to attach nucleic acids to certain desired molecules or surfaces, further useful in facilitating immobilization and targeted delivery.

However, the selection of an apt labeling method partially relies on the desired degree of labeling, followed by the predictable reactions resulting from the modifications. Enzymatic as well chemical approaches have the potential to yield nucleic acids, which can be labeled at the 3′ or 5′ end of the oligonucleotide. Additionally, these approaches are gaining command across probe integration protocols applied throughout a particular sequence.

Application Insights

In-situ Hybridization (ISH) accounted for the largest share of over 30.0% in 2019. Nucleic acid labeling is set to gain demand in ISH applications, with the rise in the use of ISH techniques across the diagnosis of genetic disorders, such as Cri-du-chat, 22q13 deletion syndrome, Angelman syndrome, chronic myelogenous leukemia, Velocardiofacial syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Down syndrome, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Nucleic acids labeled with nucleotide triphosphates (NTPs) or deoxynucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) are preferred for in-vitro experiments making use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Moreover, the development of probes with end labels has gained immense demand across experiments pertaining to protein interactions, specifically gel-shift assays.

Sector Insights

The diagnostics segment accounted for the largest share of 39.79% in 2019 and is expected to maintain its lead throughout the forecast period. The research segment is expected to witness the fastest growth from 2020 to 2027. This is attributed to the extending applications of nucleic acid labels across their purification as well visualization, further assisting in the diagnosis of chromosomal aberrations and specific sequences suitable for in-situ hybridization. In addition, radioisotope labeling of nucleic acids has gained traction among several investigations and clinical studies pertaining to cancer diagnostics, along with a replication of bacteriophage associated investigations.

Nucleic acid labeling is proving to be crucial for better understanding and visualization of biological processes. The reach of nucleic acids is expanding across distinct cell-based applications to gain insightful information on specific cycloadditions and bioorthogonal chemistry reactions occurring in the cells. Thus, nucleic acid labeling products are penetrating across distinct sectors, such as diagnosis, therapeutics, and research.

Regional Insights

North America held the largest share of 39.47% in 2019 and is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period. Key factors contributing to the regional market growth include the presence of developed healthcare infrastructure, favorable reimbursement scenario, and high accessibility of novel diagnostic solutions due to the strong presence of key market players in this region.

The Asia Pacific market is expected to expand at the fastest growth rate during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the emergence of local players and the increasing penetration of key players in the Asia Pacific region. The emerging companies are tapping on the opportunities by providing a wide array of labeling solutions in developing nations.

Moreover, an increase in the number of inter-regional collaborations among key entities has been witnessed in this region, further propelling the market growth. These collaborations are largely being targeted towards the enhancement of nucleic acid profiling services and genomic research across the Asia Pacific countries.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The companies are keen on adopting strategic moves that assist them in sustaining competition in the market space. For instance, in September 2017, Roche announced the extension of its distribution agreement with Merck for its life sciences brands, consisting of High Pure kits, transcription reagents, EagleTaq & FastStart Master Mixes (for non-LightCycler Systems), and Universal ProbeLibrary Probes & Assays, among others. Some prominent players in the global nucleic acid labeling market include: 

• PerkinElmer, Inc.

• F. Hoffmann La-Roche AG

• General Electric Healthcare Life Sciences

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

• Promega Corporation

• New England Biolabs

• Enzo Biochem, Inc.

• Vector Laboratories Inc.

• Merck KGaA

• Agilent Technologies

Nucleic Acid Labeling Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2016 to 2027. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global nucleic acid labeling market report on the basis of product, labeling type, method, application, sector, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Kits

  • Reagents

  • Instruments

• Labeling Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Radioisotope/Radioactive Labels

  • Non-radioactive Labels

• Method Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Enzyme-based

    • PCR

    • 5' end labeling

    • 3' end labeling

    • Others

  • Chemical-based

    • Conjugation

    • Photoreaction

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Oligonucleotide Labeling

  • In-situ Hybridization

  • Southern & Northern Blotting

  • Cellular Localization

  • Others

• Sector Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • Diagnostics

  • Research

  • Therapeutics

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2027)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa