Global Biochip Markets: Microarrays and Lab-on-a-Chip

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Biology is following a path that is reminiscent of the early electronics industry: a miniaturization and large-scale integration process that will revolutionize life science research, drug discovery and development, medical diagnostics and biotechnology. The ongoing miniaturization and large-scale integration process is encompassed in devices known as biochips, including microarrays and lab-on-a-chip microfluidic devices. Biochips represent a diverse group of nanotechnologies that can be expected to exert a significant impact in life science research, diagnostics and medicine.

DNA microarrays are already an established technology generating substantial revenue derived from gene expression, SNP analysis and gene resequencing. The first DNA microarray has recently been approved by the FDA for in-vitro diagnostic applications, and significant market growth can be expected in this application area. Protein microarrays are gaining prominence in the marketplace, while future, emerging array technologies including tissue/cell and glycomics arrays are increasing in importance. Lab-on-chip devices are also making rapid progress in important pharmaceutical and diagnostics market segments.

SCOPE OF STUDY

This report contains:

• Descriptions of various biochips including current and potential applications
• The current market status of biochip products, trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 to 10 years
• Technological issues, including the latest advances
• A discussion of driving forces in the biochip industry on a global basis, including large-scale integration, research initiatives and drug discovery
• An examination of biochip companies and industry alliances.

METHODOLOGY

Based on our analysis, we evaluate the potential applications of biochips in each of the major market segments, and forecast sales revenues for 2008 through 2013.

For research tools and drug discovery and development, the study presents a forecast from 2008 through 2013 for each of the important products and technologies. For diagnostics, the report forecasts from 2008 through 2013 the demand for microarrays and lab-on-a-chip devices by analysis type. Finally, this study forecasts from 2008 through 2013 the market for LOAC devices by end use segment.