---

Market Overview

---

The global live cell imaging market witnessed substantial growth in recent years, with a valuation of USD 2.18 billion in 2021. It is projected to reach USD 3.54 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 8.44% from 2022 to 2027. Live cell imaging has emerged as a popular technique for studying live cells and investigating biological processes in real-time.

Live cell imaging utilizes time-lapse microscopy and creates controlled living cell environments, enabling the observation of cell-to-cell interactions and the study of single cell behavior and related changes within the cell. This revolutionary technology has greatly advanced our understanding of cell structures, processes, and molecular interactions.

North America dominated the global live cell imaging market in 2021, holding the highest market share. The region’s strong presence in the market can be attributed to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, substantial investments in research and development (R&D), and a focus on precision medicine.

Live cell imaging plays a vital role in cancer biology research. While high-resolution imaging is crucial for studying genetic and cell signaling changes underlying cancer, live cell imaging provides deeper insights into cellular function and disease mechanisms. With an increasing number of cancer cases, especially among children, and the burden of communicable diseases in both developed and emerging countries, the demand for live cell imaging continues to rise.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding its role in the life sciences field, including microscopy. AI-powered self-learning microscopy has the potential to streamline image analysis, making it faster and more efficient. This technology enables better visualization of unlabeled live cells over extended periods.

The demand for regenerative medicine and investments in cell and gene therapy have significantly increased in developed countries. Governments, private sectors, and research institutes have been funding biotech start-ups and research institutes focusing on the R&D of cell and gene therapy products. Funding for cell and gene therapy has seen a significant jump in recent years.

Advancements in imaging technologies and probe development have expanded the applications of live cell imaging. Researchers now have more ways to label and visualize nucleic acids, proteins, glycans, lipids, ions, metabolites, and other targets. Software advancements also facilitate better quantitative image analysis of label-free images, enhancing the capabilities of live cell imaging.

Despite these advancements, current microscopy techniques have limitations that hinder researchers and clinicians in obtaining sufficient information without harming living cells during long-term studies. To overcome these limitations, new imaging technologies are being developed. For example, the combination of 3D fluorescence imaging and holotomography microscopy has shown promise in overcoming some of these challenges.

The pharmaceutical industry has witnessed a significant increase in spending on R&D and the introduction of novel drugs. In 2019 alone, the industry spent approximately $83 billion on R&D. The number of approved novel drugs has also risen, with a 60% increase compared to the previous decade. This growth in R&D expenditure and drug approvals has contributed to the expansion of the live cell imaging market.

Overall, the global live cell imaging market has experienced substantial growth driven by technological advancements, increasing investments in R&D, rising demand for regenerative medicine and precision medicine, and the need to better understand cellular processes and diseases.

---

Market Segmentation

---

The market is segmented based on various factors, including product type, technique type, application type, end-user type, geography.

Segmentation by Product Type
Equipment
Consumables
Software

Segmentation by Technique
Fluorescence microscopy
Confocal microscopy
Transmitted light microscopy
Others

Segmentation by Application
Cell Biology
Drug Discovery
Developmental Biology
Stem Cells

Segmentation by End-Users
Pharma & Biotech Companies
Academic & research centers
Others

Segmentation by Geography
North America – US, Canada
Europe – Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain
APAC – China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia
Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Argentina
Middle East & Africa – South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE

The global live cell imaging market can be categorized into different product segments, namely equipment, consumables, and software. In 2021, the equipment sector held the largest share in the market.

Within the equipment sector, live-cell imaging microscopes are revolutionizing the study of cellular health, viability, colony formation, migration, and responses to external stimuli. The demand for microscopes has surged due to technological advancements and increased research into cell behavior.

Techniques such as fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, transmitted light microscopy, and others are included in the global live cell imaging market. Fluorescence microscopy dominated the market in 2021, accounting for 53.68% of the share. Live-cell imaging techniques encompass a wide range of imaging modalities, including widefield fluorescence, confocal, multiphoton, total internal reflection, FRET, lifetime imaging, super-resolution, and transmitted light microscopy.

Live-cell imaging techniques are increasingly being used in various investigations and have become a crucial tool in cell biology laboratories. The primary applications of live cell imaging include cell biology, drug discovery, developmental biology, and stem cell research. In 2021, cell biology held the largest market share of 38.72%.

The end-user market comprises pharmaceutical and biotech companies, academic and research institutes, and others. Academic and research institutions play a vital role in identifying and initiating the development and commercialization of promising discoveries in biology and technology.

Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America led the global live cell imaging market in 2021 due to increased healthcare expenditures, funding for R&D activities, and a focus on precision medicine. Europe holds the second-largest market share, driven by a growing patient population, increasing drug approvals for precision medicine, government funding, advancements in live cell imaging, and other factors.

APAC is expected to experience the highest growth in the global market. This can be attributed to factors such as the rising incidence of diseases, demand for stem cell research, increasing R&D expenditures, growing utility of biomarkers, awareness of cell and gene therapies, advancements in drug discovery, and other related developments. However, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa held minimal shares in the global market.

---

Competitive Landscape

---

Prominent market leaders are implementing a range of strategies, such as marketing and promotional activities, mergers and acquisitions, product launches, and obtaining necessary approvals. Additionally, substantial investments in research and development, along with the expansion of distribution networks, have enabled companies to strengthen their market share and presence.

The global live cell imaging market comprises both global and regional players. Agilent, Bruker, Carl Zeiss AG, Danaher, Merck KGaA, PerkinElmer, and Thermo Fisher Scientific are major contributors, holding significant market shares. Other notable players in the market include Axion (CytoSMART Technologies), Bio-Rad Laboratories, blue-ray biotech, Etaluma, Grace Bio Labs, ibidi GmbH, KEYENCE, NanoEnTek, Nanolive SA, Nikon, Olympus, and various others.

Key companies profiled in this report include Danaher, Agilent Technologies, PerkinElmer, Merck KGaA, ZEISS, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Axion BioSystems, BD, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Blue-Ray Biotech, Bruker, Eppendorf, Etaluma, Grace Bio-Labs, ibidi GmbH, Intelligent Imaging Innovations, KEYENCE, Logos Biosystems, NanoEntek, Nanolive SA, Nikon, Evident, ONI, Oxford Instruments, Phase Focus, Phase Holographic Imaging PHI AB, Proteintech Group, Sartorius AG, Sony Biotechnology, Tomocube.

---

Recent Industry Developments

---

In 2021, CytoSMART introduced the CytoSMART Lux3 BR, a novel bright-field microscope designed for live-cell imaging. This advanced microscope is equipped with a high-quality CMOS camera to facilitate label-free cell imaging procedures.

In the same year, the Zeiss group made an announcement regarding their upcoming product, the Zeiss Visioner 1. This innovative digital microscope is specifically designed for live cell imaging and incorporates a micro-mirror array system that enables real-time all-in-one focus.

In 2020, CytoSMART Technologies launched the CytoSMART Multi Lux, which is a remote live cell imaging system. This system allows users to remotely perform live-cell imaging procedures, providing greater convenience and flexibility.

---

Key Questions Answered

---

What is the projected size of the live cell imaging market by 2027?

The live cell imaging market is expected to reach a size of USD 3.54 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.44% during the forecast period.

What is the rate of growth in the live cell imaging market?

The global live cell imaging market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 8.44%.

What are the latest trends observed in the live cell imaging market?

Some prominent trends driving the live cell imaging market include the utilization of deep learning and artificial intelligence to enhance imaging techniques, increased funding for cell and gene therapy products, and a rising trend in tracking solutions for live cell imaging.

Who are the leading market players in the global live cell imaging market?

The major market leaders in the global live cell imaging market are Danaher, Agilent Technologies, PerkinElmer, Merck KGaA, ZEISS, and Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Which region holds the largest market share in the live cell imaging market?

North America currently dominates the global live cell imaging market, holding the largest market share.