Abstract
US demand to surpass $5 billion by 2012
US demand for chemical sensors is projected to surpass $5 billion by 2012.
Biosensors will continue to be the largest type of chemical sensor, as the
increasing number of diagnosed diabetics continues to boost demand for blood
glucose test strips. Overall growth will also be supported by technological
advances that allow for price reduction, sensor miniaturization and greater
precision, all of which expand the use of chemical sensors into new markets or
new applications within existing markets. Demand for chemical sensors based on
emerging technologies, such as optical sensors, will see the fastest gains.
The biggest market will remain the medical market, but growth will be strong
in all chemical sensor outlets, including industrial and environmental
applications.
Optical sensors, biosensors present best opportunities
Through 2012, optical sensors and biosensors are expected to provide the best
opportunities. Optical sensors -- including infrared sensors and products
based on fiber optic, photoionization, fluorescence, chemiluminescence, light
emitting diode, laser and ultraviolet technologies -- will see the fastest
gains of all sensor types. Optical sensors will continue to benefit from their
high sensitivity, stability, immunity to interference and product improvements
such as smaller size and enhanced ruggedness. Biosensors will also record
rapid advances, boosted by the aging population and growing demand for home
and point-ofcare testing and monitoring tools, primarily for blood glucose
levels. While the development of multianalyte sensors and the use of
biosensors in high-density arrays will support demand, biosensors used outside
of medical applications will continue to face considerable challenges from
other existing detection and measurement methodologies.
Study coverage
It provides historical US demand data (1997, 2002, 2007) plus forecasts (2012
and 2017) by analyte, product and market. This study also assesses market
environment factors, evaluates market shares and profiles more than 40
competitors in the US industry.