Super-resolution Microscopes Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Technology (STED, SIM, STORM, FPALM, PALM), By Application (Life Science, Nanotechnology), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2027

Report Overview

The global super-resolution microscopes market size was valued at USD 2.6 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7% from 2020 to 2027. Increasing applications in the life science industry, technological advancements, and 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 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 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.

North America is the largest regional market owing to technological advancements and increasing R&D expenditure. Moreover, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the increasing demand for advanced laboratory equipment are factors driving the regional market. Funding programs in the region have also compelled researchers to adopt super-resolution microscopes.

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to severe restrictions in both private and public business environments. During the pandemic, a decrease in the manufacturing and supply of all kinds of medical devices, including super-resolution microscopes, has been recorded due to the sudden shut down of activities to prevent the spread of infection. In most countries, any ongoing research has been paused, as most of the research labs are involved in studies of the novel coronavirus as well as relevant diagnostics.

In addition, all pharmaceutical labs have shifted focus to drug designing and identifying drug targets for the novel virus strain. However, with the decrease in the production of imaging devices & microscopes and disrupted supply chain, the demand for super-resolution microscopes is expected to witness a downfall for the time being.

In their 2019 annual report, Danaher Corporation (parent organization for Leica Microsystem) mentioned the adverse impact on its global operations, exposing risks associated with a public health crisis due to the pandemic, which had a negative impact on supply chains and distribution systems, reducing the demand for the company’s products & services.

Technology Insights

Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy technology accounted for the largest market share of 23% in 2019 and will grow at further at a steady CAGR 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 the 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 market share of over 40% in 2019. 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, the rising product application 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 register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This is attributed to the increasing product application in studying various biological processes revealing the binding of nanoparticles with cells and its outcomes.

Regional Insights

North America held the largest market share of over 33% in 2019 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 super-resolution microscopes market growth. Moreover, the availability of reimbursement facilities for medical treatments also 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 record 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 its growth.

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 of the 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 the healthcare and other industries. Another key strategy adopted by major companies is merger and acquisition. For instance, in February 2019, Danaher Corp. 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 a stiff competition to the global players by providing low-priced equipment. Some of the prominent players in the super-resolution microscopes market include:

• Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

• Nikon Corp.

• Olympus Corp.

• Leica Microsystems (Danaher Corp.)

• Hitachi High Technologies

• Applied Precision (GE Healthcare)

• Bruker

• Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

Super-resolution Microscopes 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 2016 to 2027. 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, 2016 - 2027)

  • 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 - 2027)

  • Nanotechnology

  • Life Science

  • Material Science

  • Semi-conductors

  • Others

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

  • North America

    • The U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • The U.K.

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

  • The Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa