Western blotting is a widely used technique for detecting specific proteins in a given sample of tissue homogenate or extract. It relies on the specificity of antibodies to their antigen to identify the protein of interest. This makes it an indispensable tool for basic as well as applied research in life sciences, forensic sciences and clinical diagnostics. Western blotting has helped gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying various diseases and enabled monitoring of disease progression or response to treatment at the protein level. It has proven valuable for verifying knockdown or over-expression of target proteins in biomedical research experiments and studies involving protein interactions and post-translational modifications. The development of various reagents like primary and secondary antibodies, detection techniques and advanced instrumentation have made western blotting more sensitive and quantitative over time.
The global Western Blotting Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 759.05 Mn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market key trends:
One of the major trends in the western blotting market is the emergence and increasing popularity of infrared fluorescent Western blotting. This technique uses antibodies labelled with infrared dyes, which emit light in the infrared spectrum between 700-800 nm. Imaging and detection is then done using infrared fluorescence imaging systems. Compared to chemiluminescent and colorimetric detection methods, infrared fluorescent western blotting offers significant advantages such as improved sensitivity, wider dynamic range, reduced background noise and abilities for multiplexing and quantitative analysis. Many vendors are now offering complete western blotting solutions based on infrared fluorescence technology which is expected to drive its adoption in research and clinical settings. Other notable trends include automation of western blotting workflows and miniaturization of western blots through microfluidic chips to obtain results from low-volume samples.
Porter’s Analysis
Threat of new entrants: The western blotting market requires significant R&D investment and capital to enter, lowering the threat of new entrants. Regulations from bodies like the FDA also create entry barriers.
Bargaining power of buyers: Buyers have moderate bargaining power as there are many established players in the market offering substitutable products. However, proprietary offerings allow some differentiation.
Bargaining power of suppliers: Suppliers have moderate bargaining power due to their differentiated products and technologies. Established relationships also reduce supplier power.
Threat of new substitutes: Threat of substitutes is low as there are no close substitutes that can replace western blotting. Techniques like ELISA are partial substitutes for specific applications only.
Competitive rivalry: The market is consolidated with few large players. Companies compete based on innovations, utility, quality, and service.
Key Takeaways
The global western blotting market is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period supported by its wide application in biological research and diagnostics.
Regional analysis: North America dominates the market currently supported by extensive R&D investments and a stringent regulatory framework for biologics approval. The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest pace owing to improving research infrastructure and increasing healthcare expenditures in major countries like China and India.
Key players: Key players operating in the western blotting market are Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., GE HealthCare, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Lumigen, Inc., Merck KGaA, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., LI-COR, Inc., Bio-Techne, SBH Sciences, Advansta Inc., Azure Biosystems Inc., HiMedia Laboratories., Elabscience Biotechnology Inc., GenScript, Cell Signaling Technology, Inc., ICL, Inc., Takara Bio Inc., Leinco Technologies. Thermo Fisher Scientific and Bio-Rad Laboratories currently dominate the market.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc.