Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Microfluidics is a set of technologies that deal with the movement of small
amounts of fluid. The field has been developing for more than a decade, but
most of that development, while intense, has been in isolated modules. Now
scientists are beginning to put the pieces together into systems, setting the
stage for new applications and rapid market growth.
SCOPE OF STUDY
This report contains:
- A thorough evaluation of the technical and business environment
surrounding the emerging microfluidic systems market
- Detailed reviews of the technologies, related sub-technologies and
alternative technologies in light of the emerging needs of the relevant markets
- An examination of the current and potential applications of microfluidic
technologies and an assessment of their importance in the context of emerging
market paradigms
- The trends that will shape the future of microfluidics technologies and
markets, and their impact
- Detailed company profiles as well as a patent analysis for new and
emerging technologies.
METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES
Projecting the market for emerging technologies such as microfluidic
technologies, whose commercial potential has not yet been proven, is a
challenging task. This report uses a multi-phase approach to identify the
technologies with the greatest commercial potential and quantify the market
for these applications, as described below.
In the first phase of the analysis, we identified a "long list" of
microfluidic technologies (including technologies that are still under
development) and mapped them against potential applications and end-user
industries, such as life sciences research, drug discovery, and medical
diagnostics.
In the second phase, we eliminated those technologies that appear to have
little likelihood of making it into commercial production in the next 5 years,
through a literature review and statements by industry sources. The result of
phase two was a "short list" of technologies and applications with the
greatest near- to mid-term commercial potential.
The third phase focused on quantifying the potential market for each
short-listed technology and application and identifying the main prerequisites
for commercial success. Various methodologies and data sources were used to
develop the market projections, including trend line projections, input-output
analysis, and estimates of future demand from industry sources.
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