Cell Dissociation Market

Market Overview

The global cell dissociation market size was valued at USD 400 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1,390 million by 2032, registering a CAGR of 14.8% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The market has grown substantially in recent years, propelled by the rising need for cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine. 

The initial stage in manipulating diverse types of cells, including immune or tumor cells, involves procuring an appropriate cell sample from the host tissue. By dissociating a cell culture, one can obtain a small cluster. Dissociation is an indispensable methodology scientists employ to discern and segregate the precise cell populations under investigation.

The primary catalyst for expanding the cell dissociation industry is the increased emphasis on advancing cell-based therapies. The market expansion is propelled by a significant increase in clinical studies, FDA authorizations, and strategic actions taken by notable firms.

Highlights

• Enzymatic dissociation products generate the highest revenue share based on product type.
• Epithelial tissue accounts for the largest market share by tissue type.
• Tissue dissociation accounts for the largest market share by type.
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies account for the largest market share by end users.

Market Dynamics

Global Cell Dissociation Market Drivers

Development in Drug Screening Practices

The progress and innovations in drug screening procedures are projected to expand the market. Cell dissociation is crucial in drug screening and development to evaluate the cytotoxicity of a new treatment. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry depends on these cell-based assays for research and intervention. Drug dose determination aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of an unfamiliar medication. This process is also employed to evaluate the performance of novel medicines.

Additionally, drug screening is conducted to assess the benefits and drawbacks of medications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a novel method of drug testing called fingerprint-based drug tests was introduced. This method is reliable, sanitary, and requires no prior preparation. Observations indicate that fingerprint-based drug tests could supplant hair and urine tests.

Furthermore, the World Drug Report 2021 reveals that approximately 275 million individuals engaged in drug usage, while 36 million experienced substance use disorders, as reported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The increasing need for sophisticated pharmaceuticals is anticipated to drive drug screening operations in the future, promoting the overall expansion of the cell dissociation market.

Increase in Research and Development

The rise in research and development expenditure in the biopharmaceutical sector facilitated the market's expansion. According to the 'The Pharmaceutical Industry and Global Health Facts and Figures 2021' report published by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations, the biopharmaceutical industry spends 7.3 times more on research and development than the aerospace and defense industries, 6.5 times more than the chemicals industry, and 1.5 times more than the software and computer services industry. According to the report, global expenditure on biopharmaceutical research and development in 2022 was projected to reach over USD 202 billion. Therefore, due to substantial investments in research and development (R&D) and a robust pipeline of medicinal products, cell dissociation is anticipated to experience significant growth.
 
Furthermore, multiple corporations are allocating resources to investigate and advance biopharmaceuticals. In September 2022, Marinus Pharmaceuticals utilized the initial contract option provided by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), worth over USD 12.3 million. This funding was intended to assist in bringing the production capabilities for ganaxolone back to the United States.

Moreover, the key market participants' recent investments in biologics research and development have led to a surge in research efforts to create new biologics. They are anticipated to stimulate market expansion. In September 2022, Novartis made a financial commitment to advance the field of next-generation biotherapeutics to expand its capabilities in the production and development of biologics. Therefore, the market under examination is anticipated to experience significant growth in the following years due to substantial research and development investments. 

Global Cell Dissociation Market Restraints

Ethical concerns Regarding Research in Cell biology

Both animal and human cells are utilized in gene therapy studies involving gene recombination and stem cell research therapies, necessitating the inclusion of both species for investigation in cell biology. These cells are also employed to study the toxicity and pharmacokinetics of drugs that may negatively affect humans and animals in living organisms. Furthermore, the utilization of stem cell research in medical settings sometimes leads to the termination of human embryos. Stringent regulations have been created by ethical governing bodies in multiple prominent nations to regulate these activities.

Additionally, cell biology research is governed by strict regulations established by various organizations such as the Human Tissue Authority (HTA), Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA), Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), and Central Ethics Committee for Stem Cell Research (ZES), among others. Cell biology research progress is significantly limited in numerous countries worldwide due to ethical concerns and rules governing the utilization of cells for scientific investigation.

Lack of Skilled Labor and Instrumentation

Cell culture experiments necessitate sterile conditions, costly equipment, and proficient personnel. In addition, a limited number of cells have separated, resulting in fewer trials. To experiment, one must be able to access the most recent research data, do a precise and comprehensive market analysis of a particular laboratory technique and tools, and be well-versed in introducing innovative concepts. The limited availability of highly skilled workers impedes the expansion of the market. Handling neuronal cell lines in neuronal cell culture necessitates the expertise of a specialist to prevent contamination and harm to the cell line. This is because the neuronal cell line is responsive to many physiological variables associated with neurotransmitters.

Global Cell Dissociation Market Opportunity

Rise in Replacement of Tissue or Organ

Cell dissociation has extensive applications in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, such as genetic engineering, production of genetically altered proteins, drug screening, and development. This has led to the significant expansion of the cell dissociation industry. Animal cell culture can be utilized to regenerate organs and tissues. Patients suffering from ulcers and burns can derive advantages from using the skin replacement technique.

Nevertheless, ongoing investigations are being carried out on artificial organ cultures, encompassing the kidney, pancreas, and liver. Various methods are employed to cultivate embryonic and adult stem cells, which have the potential to give rise to a wide range of organs and cells. Managing the development and differentiation of these cells can effectively treat significant medical illnesses. Therefore, the increasing need for replacement operations, particularly for tissues and organs, is a substantial opportunity for the market's expansion.

Regional Analysis

The global cell dissociation market analysis is conducted across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

North America  Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global cell dissociation market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 14.4% over the forecast period. The region's large proportion can be linked to the government's increase in investment programs, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, and excellent clinical and laboratory research infrastructure. Based on the Cancer Facts and Figures 2023 report released by the American Cancer Society, it is projected that around 1.9 million new cases of Cancer will be diagnosed and 0.6 million cancer-related deaths will occur in the United States (US) in 2023.

Additionally, the population of individuals aged 65 or older in the United States was 54.1 million in 2019, accounting for 16% of the total population. It is projected to reach 21.6% by the year 2040. Therefore, the high occurrence of long-lasting illnesses combined with the rising number of elderly individuals in the nation is expected to generate additional prospects for the development of novel biopharmaceuticals, thus fueling the expansion of the market under investigation.

Furthermore, the prevalence of Cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and diabetes generates a need for novel biopharmaceuticals. According to the Canadian Cancer Statistics 2021, which was published in November 2021, over 229,200 Canadians had a cancer diagnosis in 2021. Based on the estimations, the mortality rates for the top three cancer kinds in 2021 were as follows: lung cancer (25%), colorectal Cancer (11%), and pancreatic Cancer (7%). Based on these projections, it was documented that Cancer continued to be one of the primary causes of mortality in Canada in 2021. This leads to the emergence of possibilities for novel treatments in the country and stimulates the expansion of the market under investigation. 

Asia Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 14.9% over the forecast period. Regional market expansion is propelled by increased government spending on research and development and rapid infrastructural development. Furthermore, numerous local enterprises are being granted financial support to advance the development of a remedy for diverse chronic ailments, including Cancer. In June 2022, Immuneel Therapeutics was given a budget of USD 15 million to develop cost-effective cell and gene therapy specifically for cancer patients in India.
 
Europe holds a significant market share. The need for dissociation reagents and tools is driven by the progress in cell biology research and the increasing need for cell-based therapeutics. Moreover, the rising occurrence of chronic illnesses requires the development of inventive methods to separate cells to study diseases and discover new drugs. Furthermore, partnerships among academia, industry, and research organizations propel the advancement of innovative separation technologies. Regulatory support and favorable government policies encourage market growth by boosting regional research and development efforts. 

Segmental Analysis

The global cell dissociation market is segmented based on product, type, tissue, and end-use

Based on product, the market is divided into Instruments and Accessories, Non-Enzymatic Dissociation Products, and Enzymatic Dissociation Products. 

The enzymatic dissociation segment dominated in 2023. Enzymatic dissociation employs enzymes to break down the fragmented tissue, therefore liberating the cells from the tissue. Various enzymes are engaged in the dissociation process and can be used in conjunction. Enzymatic dissociations offer a superior and more efficient approach to isolating mononuclear cells from the spinal cord and brain.

The non-enzymatic segment is the fastest growing. The enzyme-free formulation aids in maintaining the functional and structural integrity of cell surface proteins. It also helps avoid the harmful consequences linked to the chelating agents. Furthermore, the utilization of animal-derived components is currently undergoing heightened regulatory scrutiny in biopharmaceutical manufacture. Hence, it is imperative to create non-enzymatic goods for cell culture to stimulate the expansion of this particular sector. 

Instruments and accessories are the second largest segment. Tools and accessories are crucial for allowing efficient cell dissociation procedures in the market. Tools such as tissue grinders, dissociators, and shakers assist in the fragmentation of cell aggregates. In contrast, other components, such as enzymes and buffers, enhance the conditions for dissociation, guaranteeing both a high cell viability and yield for further applications.

Based on the tissue, the market is divided into epithelial, connective, and Other. 

The epithelial tissue segment dominated in 2023. Epithelial tissue is crucial in the cell dissociation industry as it offers a plentiful supply of cells for research and medicinal purposes. Epithelial tissues can be separated into individual cells by enzymatic digestion or mechanical disruption. This allows for further investigation in regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and disease modeling. This approach stimulates creativity and progress in the field of biotechnology.

The connective tissue segment is the fastest growing. Connective tissue plays a crucial role in the cell dissociation market by offering structural support and anchoring for different types of cells. Enzymatic or mechanical dissociation techniques disintegrate connective tissue, liberating cells for research and therapy. This promotes progress in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and drug development, stimulating market expansion.

The market is segmented based on type into tissue dissociation and cell detachment. 

The tissue dissociation type segment dominated in 2023. The category is expected to continue growing steadily and maintain its dominant position in the worldwide market. The expansion of this segment is expected to be driven by factors such as the growing emphasis of biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical firms on developing monoclonal antibodies and tailoring treatment.

The cell detachment type segment is the fastest growing. Cell detachment plays a crucial role in cultivating cells that attach to surfaces. Trypsinization is the predominant method used for separation. The expansion of this segment is primarily driven by the escalating financing for the cell culture launch of innovative products and strategic operations conducted by leading industry players.

The market is segmented based on end-users into pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and research and academic institutes. 

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment dominated in 2023. This category's significant proportion and rapid expansion can be ascribed to the extensive utilization of cell dissociation enzymes in the pharmaceutical industry. Enzymes such as collagenase and trypsin are crucial in retaining solid tissues and adherent cells for culturing and experimental purposes. Furthermore, cell tissue disaggregation and dissociation serve as the initial step for diverse research endeavors, such as advancing cancer therapies, cell proliferation, and vaccine development.

Research and academic institutes are pivotal in driving the cell dissociation market forward. Their primary objective is to undertake fundamental research aimed at developing and refining dissociation techniques, making significant contributions to the progress of the field. Institutes also function as central hubs for teaching scientists in these approaches, promoting innovation and collaboration within the scientific community. Research and academic institutes are crucial in advancing and expanding the cell dissociation industry.

Recent Developments

• May 2024– Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR), a worldwide leader in scientific and technological advancements, initiated a strategic partnership with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. The primary aim of this collaboration is to enhance patient safety by tackling a prominent factor contributing to the failure of clinical studies. 
• January 2024– Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) and the Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI) jointly established a collaboration center to advance gene-editing therapies for rare and other diseases. The objective is to provide a novel framework for developing various genomic medicines in the future. The Danaher-IGI Beacon for CRISPR Cures, a research facility, seeks to utilize CRISPR-based gene editing to effectively and permanently treat several diseases through a coordinated approach, including research, development, and regulatory efforts.