Super-resolution Microscopes Market Analysis Report By Technology (STED, SIM, STORM), By Application (Nanotechnology, Life Science), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2026

Industry Insights

The global super-resolution microscopes market size was valued at USD 2.8 billion in 2018 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period. Increasing application in the life science industry, technological advancements, and growing focus on nanotechnology are expected to drive the market during the forecast period. The limitation of confocal as well as fluorescence microscopy has been overcome by super-resolution microscopes 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 diagnosis. For instance, the use of micro-endoscopy 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 cellular samples visualization with the 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.

North America is the largest regional market owing to technological advancement and increasing R&D expenditure. Moreover, rising prevalence of cancer and increasing elderly population are driving demand for super-resolution microscopy. Funding programs in the region have also compelled researchers to adopt super-resolution microscopes.

Technology Insights

STED is expected to dominate the market throughout 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 video rate imaging.

Some of the other drivers of the STED segment include its compatibility with organic dyes, real-time cell imaging, and 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 the researchers to view nuclear pore complexes (NPC), directly enabling them to identify and solve various aspects of the nucleus superstructures. STORM and PALM provide the greatest improvement in spatial resolution in comparison to conventional fluorescence microscopy. These methods are easier to understand and rely on the fluorescent probes chemical properties that flashes on and off. The random flashing on and off in these massive number of images captured enables precise and incredible localization of single molecules.

Application Insights

The life science segment held the largest share in the super-resolution microscopes market in 2018. In order to develop a proper understanding of neurological dysfunctions and mechanisms, neuroscience relies heavily on advanced microscopy, especially for in vivo brain imaging.

Increased research on infectious disease mechanisms, understanding of viral structures, and cancer cell proliferation mechanisms and signaling pathways, is a major factor fueling the growth of the life science segment. In addition, rising application of super-resolution microscopy in drug development to understand the structural biology of macromolecules and their functions is anticipated to boost the segment’s growth.

However, nanotechnology is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to increasing application of super-resolution microscopy in studying various biological processes revealing the binding of nanoparticles with cells and its outcomes.

Regional Insights

North America held the largest market share in 2018. This can be attributed to technological advancements, funding programs, and growing research and development expenditure.

Increasing geriatric population is a major factor behind rising incidence of cancer and neurological disorders. Medical research is carried out in the region for studying these 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 for inspection. Leading players in the market like Danaher (parent company for Leica Microsystem) and Applied Precision (GE Healthcare) are headquartered in U.S., with the manufacturing site present at different locations.

Europe is anticipated to hold a significant market share during the forecast period due to technological advancements and high prevalence of infectious diseases. The market in Europe is greater when compared with Asia Pacific mainly due to presence of a large number of high-end systems in the region.

The most dynamic region in the global market is Asia Pacific as it is expected to expand at a highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to increasing adoption of such microscopy across industries, such as academic life science, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and nanotechnology.

Super-resolution Microscopes Market Share Insights

Key players in the market include Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Nikon Corporation, Olympus Corporation, Leica Microsystems (Danaher Corporation), Hitachi High Technologies, Applied Precision (GE Healthcare), Bruker, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, and Danaher (with the acquisition of Leica Microsystem and GE healthcare microscopy business).

Collaboration is one of the ongoing trends in the marketplace. For instance, collaboration of JEOL with Nikon and Carl Zeiss with Seiko in the past years, has enhanced the super-resolution microscopes related product competitiveness, with increased sales and has 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 of the companies.

The market is technology driven and therefore, manufacturers engage in rigorous R&D to develop new and technologically advanced products, which cater to the changing needs of healthcare and other industries practitioners.

Another key strategy is merger and acquisition adopted by major players in the market. 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 Corporation 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 a stiff competition to the global players by providing low-priced equipment.

Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis on the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2015 to 2026. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global super-resolution microscopes market report based on technology, application, and region:

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2026)

  • Stimulated Emission Depletion Microscopy (STED)

  • Structured-Illumination Microscopy (SIM)

  • Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy (STORM)

  • Photoactivated Localization Microscopy (PALM)

  • Fluorescence Photoactivation Localization Microscopy (FPALM)

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2026)

  • Nanotechnology

  • Life Science

  • Material Science

  • Semiconductor

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2015 - 2026)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa