Super-resolution Microscopes Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (STED, STORM, SIM, PALM, FPALM), By Application (Life Science, Nanotechnology), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

Report Overview

The global super-resolution microscopes market size was valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% from 2021 to 2028. Increasing applications in the life science industry, technological advancements, and the growing focus on nanotechnology are expected to drive the market during the forecast period. Super-resolution microscopes overcome the limitation of confocal as well as fluorescence microscopy as they provide increased X-Y resolution beyond 200 - 250 nm. Super-resolution microscopy is expected to give new insights to ongoing research in medical science and nanotechnology by offering resolution up to 10-20 nm. These advanced microscopes are used by researchers in medical procedures and diagnoses. For instance, micro-endoscopy is used with the help of multiphoton or other advanced imaging techniques for long-term application of these tools in novel medical treatment.

Super-resolution microscopes allow the visualization of the cellular sample with a resolution similar to that of an optical fluorescence microscope and diffraction-limited resolution. It is possible to uniquely visualize the desired molecular species in three dimensions, cellular environment, and in the live cells.

COVID-19 Super-resolution Microscopes Market Impact: 2.2% decline from 2019 to 2020

Furthermore, a new public-private partnership between Carl Zeiss Microscopy and UC Berkeley worth USD 5.6 million for supporting the Berkeley Brain Microscopy Innovation Center (BrainMIC) is expected to positively impact the market growth. The growing adoption rates and rising investments for the development of these advanced microscopes by the precision manufacturing industries are expected to drive the market.

Technology Insights

Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy technology accounted for the largest share of over 23.0% in 2020 and will grow at a steady CAGR over the forecast period due to its ability to deliver diffraction-unlimited images, with no need for further computational processing. The application of fast-beam scanners has established STED microscopy as one of the quickest super-resolution imaging techniques available as it does not require data processing after the acquisition.

It is fast in viewing the small fields, therefore, making it an effective technique for small areas of video-rate imaging. Some of the other drivers of the STED technology include its compatibility with organic dyes, real-time cell imaging, and an increasing number of research and development in the fields of neurobiology and cell biology. The use of Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM) has recently made it possible for researchers to view Nuclear Pore Complexes (NPCs), directly enabling them to identify and solve various aspects of the nucleus superstructures.

The STORM and PALM technologies provide the greatest improvement in spatial resolution in comparison to conventional fluorescence microscopy. These methods are easier to understand and rely on the fluorescent probe chemical properties that flash on and off. The random flashing on and off in these massive numbers of images captured enables precise and incredible localization of single molecules.

Application Insights

The life science segment held the largest share of over 40.0% in 2020. To develop a proper understanding of neurological dysfunctions and mechanisms, neuroscience significantly relies on advanced microscopy, especially for in vivo brain imaging.

The nanotechnology segment held the second-largest share in 2020 and is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The use of super-resolution microscopes in identifying the adherence of nanoparticles with living cell and drug delivery process is expected to boost the growth of the segment.

Increasing focus on R&D for applications, such as neuroscience, life sciences, nanotechnology, and semiconductor industry, would increase the adoption rate for super-resolution microscopes. These microscopes provide image resolution as high as 10 nm, which is necessarily required while investigating the cell signaling pathway and studying cancer cell proliferation.

Regional Insights

North America held the largest share of over 33.0% in 2020 and will retain its leading position throughout the forecast period. Advanced healthcare facilities, high investment in R&D for understanding the mechanism of various diseases, and extensive drug development activities in the region are projected to drive the market. Moreover, the availability of reimbursement facilities for medical treatments boosts the regional market growth.

Extensive medical research is carried out in the region for studying various disease mechanisms and various pathways that need to be resolved beyond the limit of conventional microscopy. For such cases, super-resolution microscopy plays an important role in the inspection. Leading players in the market like Danaher (parent company for Leica Microsystem) and Applied Precision (GE Healthcare) are headquartered in the U.S., with the manufacturing site present at different locations.

Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to the increasing adoption of such microscopy across industries, such as academic life science, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and nanotechnology. However, the market in Europe is greater as compared to the market in Asia Pacific, mainly due to the presence of a large number of high-end systems in the region. In addition, technological advancements and the high prevalence of infectious diseases in Europe are likely to drive the regional market.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Collaboration is one of the ongoing trends in this market. For instance, the collaborations of JEOL with Nikon and Carl Zeiss with Seiko in the past years have enhanced the super-resolution microscopes-related product competitiveness with increased sales and have also established new markets. Collaborations generally have taken place in the production phase and are expected to increase in the fields, such as development and engineering. Technological knowledge in mechatronics, software, analog electronics, and physics is fundamental to the viability of most companies.

The market is technology-driven and therefore, manufacturers engage in rigorous R&D to develop new and advanced products, which cater to the changing needs of healthcare and other industries. Another key strategy adopted by major companies is mergers and acquisitions. For instance, in February 2019, Danaher Corporation acquired the biopharma business of GE healthcare, which also includes the microscopy products of the company.

In May 2017, Bruker Corp. acquired Luxendo GmbH to enhance its microscopy portfolio of super-resolution, swept-field confocal, and multiphoton fluorescence microscope products for live-cell imaging, small organism embryology, brain development, and optogenetics applications. However, the domestic manufacturers in every region pose stiff competition to the global players by providing low-priced equipment. Some prominent players in the global super-resolution microscopes market include:

• ZEISS

• Applied Precision (GE Healthcare)

• Nikon Corporation

• Olympus Corporation

• Leica Microsystems (Danaher Corporation)

• BrukerCorporation

• Hitachi High Technologies

Super-resolution Microscopes 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 2028. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global super-resolution microscopes market report on the basis of technology, application, and region:

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) Microscopy

  • Structured-Illumination Microscopy (SIM)

  • Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (STORM)

  • Fluorescence Photoactivation Localization Microscopy (FPALM)

  • Photoactivated Localization Microscopy (PALM)

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • Nanotechnology

  • Life Science

  • Material Science

  • Semi-conductor

  • Other Applications

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

  • Middle East & Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa