Scaffold Technology Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type, By Application (Stem Cell, Regenerative Medicine, Drug Discovery), By Disease Type (Cancer, Dental, Neurology), By End-use, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

Report Overview

The global scaffold technology market size was valued at USD 1.1 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% from 2021 to 2028. The growth of the market can be primarily attributed to the rising demand for 3D cellular models in biological studies and translational research. The rapid shift in the cell culture paradigm to overcome the challenges associated with the drug development process is expected to propel the growth of the market for scaffold technology.

The application of 3D cell cultures is growing as they are efficient in mimicking the in vivo physiological state for efficient representation of disease-causing micro environmental factors. Thus, 3D cell culture techniques have emerged as a novel tool for early drug discovery as well as potential therapeutic solutions for the treatment of various diseases. The 3D concept of cell cultivation allows the investigation of phenotypic heterogeneity of cancer cells and heterotypic crosstalk between cells by providing relevant information about diseased cells, thus driving the market.

In addition, the significant advancements in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering in recent years have increased the adoption of 3D bioprinting for organs and tissues reconstruction procedures. 3D bioprinting technique is considered to be one of the most profitable advancements in the field of regenerative medicine; wherein the biological material is directly printed onto scaffolds that could require cell seeding. 

Companies are developing new 3D bioprinted personalized scaffolds for tissue regeneration. For instance, in November 2020, CELLINK GLOBAL entered into a TRIANKLE consortium for developing new personalized gelatine and collagen-based implants with the application of 3D printing technology for ankle joints tissue regeneration. Hence, the integration of new technologies for the tissue reconstruction process is further driving the market for scaffold technology.

Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic is acting as a positive catalyst for the market for scaffold technology. The application of tissue engineering is extensively used for understanding virology and epidemiology, developing in vitro model systems, and finding efficient therapeutic solutions for dealing with the infection. Companies are developing new scaffolds for combating the COVID-19.

For instance, in April 2020, Ligandal developed a peptide scaffold as a prospective antidote and vaccine for COVID-19. The scaffold is designed using AI and supercomputing that mimics the immune binding and attaching elements of the virus. Hence, such synthetic constructs with the advantages such as rapid prototyping and efficient scale-up can offer therapeutic solutions for SARS-CoV-2.

Type Insights

The hydrogels emerged as a dominant segment and accounted for the largest revenue share of 42.2% in 2020. Ongoing technological advancements in the microfabrication of hydrogels are expected to boost segment growth in the near future. In addition, companies are launching new hydrogels for cell transplantation, drug depots, and a barrier against restenosis.

For instance, in March 2021, Cultrex UltiMatrix Reduced Growth Factor Basement Membrane Extract (RGF BME)was introduced by Bio-Techne Corporation for culturing pluripotent stem cells and organoids. It is an advanced matrix hydrogel with optimized extracellular matrix protein composition, increased total protein content, and improved tensile strength for personalized medicine, drug discovery research, and regenerative medicine.

The nanofiber-based scaffolds segment is anticipated to witness a lucrative CAGR of 9.8% over the forecast period. The rising adoption of nanofiber-based scaffolds in tissue engineering and regeneration applications is primarily contributing to the segment growth. In addition, researchers are modifying these scaffolds for expanding their tissue engineering applications.

For instance, based on a January 2020 published research, highlighted that modified nanofibrous scaffolds represented a potential platform for bone tissue engineering. The enhanced nanofibrous scaffolds are modified using wet chemistry (covalent) or mineralization that can efficiently mimic native bone tissue. In addition, the study also concluded that these scaffolds can also be used for the sustained release of growth factors.

Application Insights

The stem cell therapy, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering segment dominated the market for scaffold technology and accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 66.0% in 2020.The growth is attributed to the growing implementation of scaffold technology for reconstruction surgeries, aesthetic surgeries, soft tissue tumor repair, abdominal wall repair, periodontology, and colorectal surgeries.

In addition, the extensive application of scaffold technology across the field of regenerative medicine is gaining significant traction among researchers in recent years. For instance, in November 2020, scientists from Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine scientists (WFIRM) developed a hybrid tissue construct that can be used for cartilage regeneration. It is developed with the application of 3D bioprinting technology. Hence, the growing research for the development of tissue can be further attributed to segment growth.

The drug discovery segment is expected to witness substantial growth during the forecast period. The need to develop robust and portable tools in the field of biomedical science, including drug discovery and therapeutic development, has driven the demand for scaffold technology in this segment. The technology facilitates the efficient elucidation of molecular reasons for the activity of drug candidates in toxicity screening procedures as compared to conventional procedures.

Disease Type Insights

The orthopedics, musculoskeletal, and spine segment dominated the market for scaffold technology and accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 50.0% in 2020. It is estimated that nearly 34.0 million surgeries on the musculoskeletal system are performed in the United States annually. Hence, regenerative medicines are gaining momentum as they offer various lower-risk substitutes to allograft surgery.

The neurology segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2021 to 2028 due to the high adoption of stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, researchers are developing new scaffolds for nerve regeneration, which is further contributing to segment growth.

For instance, in January 2021, researchers developed a bioactive scaffold based on immobilized nerve growth factor (NGF) containing polycaprolactone/chitosan (PCL/CS) nanofibers for supporting nerve regeneration. This scaffold facilitated increased cell attachment and nerve cell growth.

End-use Insights

The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries segment dominated the market for scaffold technology and accounted for the largest revenue share of46.7% in 2020. The growth in the segment is due to the extensive application of scaffold technology by these industries in tissue engineering fields including periodontal regeneration, cartilage development, bone formation, repair of nasal and auricular malformations, tendon repair, and heart valves.

In addition, biotechnology companies are also collaborating for the development of new synthetic scaffolds. For instance, in November 2020, the U.K. biotechnology companies including Manchester BIOGEL and Cellesce developed three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds that can accurately mimic the physiological environment, enabling the manufacturing and scale-up of patient-derived organoids. Hence, such funded initiatives for biotech companies for developing new scaffolds further boost the segment growth.

The hospitals and diagnostic centers segment are expected to witness a lucrative CAGR of 8.8% over the forecast period. The growth in the segment is owing to an increase in the number of grafting procedures and an increase in cases of road accidents and related injuries, all of which create a greater demand for biological scaffolds.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the scaffold technology market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 40.6% in 2020 and is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. The growth in this region is driven by the presence of prominent players such as Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.; Akron Biotech; 3D Biotek LLC; Molecular Matrix Inc.; Xanofi; and Corning Incorporated.

In addition, companies in this region are launching new and innovative products for supporting the development of 3D cell culture, which can be further attributed to the region’s growth. For instance, in December 2020, eNuvio a Canada-based company launched a reusable 3D cell culture microplate. The unique geometry of the microplate helped in the generation of high reproducibility and enabled high-quality optical observation.

In AsiaPacific, the market for scaffold technology is expected to witness lucrative growth over the forecast period. The growth in the region can be attributed to the presence of government organizations that conducts regenerative medicine and stem cell research. For instance, in India, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Indian Council of Medical Research focus on stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Furthermore, the researches undertaken by National Centre for Cell Science in stem cell biology and other advanced therapy areas is expected to increase penetration of scaffold technology in the country.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The rising initiatives for promoting products based on scaffold technology are contributing to the growth of the market for scaffold technology. For instance, in January 2021, UnitedHealthcare expanded its medical policies for Vericel Corporation’s MACI (autologous cultured chondrocytes on porcine collagen membrane) for including coverage for individuals with multiple cartilage defects in the knee and cartilage defects in the patella. Some of the prominent players in the scaffold technology market include:

• Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

• Merck KGaA

• Tecan Trading AG

• REPROCELL Inc.

• 3D Biotek LLC

• Becton, Dickinson, and Company

• Medtronic

• Xanofi

• Molecular Matrix, Inc.

• Matricel GmbH

• Pelobiotech

• 4titude

• Corning Incorporated

• Akron Biotech

• Bioquote Ltd

• Avacta Life Sciences Limited.

• Nanofiber Solutions

• Vericel Corporation

• NuVasive, Inc.

• Allergan

Scaffold Technology Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2028. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global scaffold technology market report based on type, application, disease type, end-use, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

  • Hydrogels

    • Polymeric Scaffolds

    • Micropatterned Surface Microplates

    • Nanofiber Based Scaffolds 

  • Wound Healing

  • 3D Bioprinting

  • Immunomodulation

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

  • Stem Cell Therapy, Regenerative Medicine, & Tissue Engineering

  • Drug Discovery

  • Others

• Disease Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

  • Orthopedics, Musculoskeletal, & Spine

  • Cancer

  • Skin & Integumentary

  • Dental

  • Cardiology & Vascular

  • Neurology

  • Urology

  • GI, Gynecology

  • Others

• End-use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

  • Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries

  • Research Laboratories and Institutes

  • Hospitals and Diagnostic Centers

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa