Cell Sorting Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Cell Sorters, Reagents & Consumables, Services), By Technology (Fluorescence-based Droplet Cell Sorting, Magnetic-activated Cell Sorting, MEMS – Microfluidics, Others), By Application (Research Applications, Clinical Applications), By End-User (Research Institutions, Medical Schools & Academic Institutions, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies, Hospitals & Clinical Testing Laboratories) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2025-2033

Cell Sorting Market Size

The global cell sorting market size was valued at USD 269.16 million in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 295.61 million in 2025 to reach USD 507.27 million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.03% during the forecast period (2025-2033).

The cell-sorting market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for precision medicine, advancements in flow cytometry and microfluidics technologies, and expanding applications across biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. Cell sorting is a technique used in laboratories to isolate target cells from heterogeneous populations based on their physical or biological properties. This method is widely applied across various fields, including stem cell research, cancer immunology, drug discovery, and diagnostics.

Technological innovations, such as automation and AI-based solutions, are also enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of cell-sorting processes. These advancements enable more precise and faster isolations, which are critical for accelerating research and improving clinical outcomes. Leading market players are focusing on integrating these cutting-edge technologies into their systems to address the growing need for effective cell separation in both research and therapeutic applications.

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases, particularly in aging populations, is further fueling the demand for personalized and regenerative therapies, as well as biopharmaceutical manufacturing. These areas heavily rely on precise cell sorting to tailor treatments and manufacture biologics more efficiently.

• For instance, a February 2024 study by Preventing Chronic Disease revealed that nearly 42% of 129 million Americans suffer from two or more chronic conditions, contributing to the U.S. accounting for 90% of the $4.1 trillion healthcare expenditure for chronic disease management.

The growing need to address chronic health conditions highlights the increasing role of cell-sorting technologies in developing targeted therapies and improving patient care, ultimately driving sustained growth in the market.

Latest Market Trends

Growing demand for high throughput and automated cell-sorting techniques

The demand for high-throughput and automated cell sorting is rapidly growing, driven by advancements in AI, robotics, and microfluidics, which enable faster, more accurate sorting with minimal human intervention. Technologies like image-activated cell-sorting (IACS) are at the forefront of this evolution.

• A review in Trends in Cell Biology (August 2024) highlighted the increasing use of IACS, which combines high-content imaging with live sorting, allowing scientists to isolate rare subpopulations based on detailed subcellular phenotypes. This integration of AI-based image analysis and real-time decision-making is particularly beneficial for oncology, regenerative medicine, and immunotherapy, where precise cell sorting is crucial.

The ability to automate and accelerate sorting processes is creating substantial demand for these advanced systems, driving further market growth.

Advancements in microfluidic and MEMS-based cell-sorting technology

The rise of microfluidic and MEMS-based cell-sorting technologies is reshaping the market by offering precise, label-free, and low-cost methods for sorting rare and heterogeneous cells. These technologies are particularly valuable in biopharmaceutical research, single-cell analysis, and personalized medicine, which demand high levels of accuracy and efficiency. 

• For example, in 2022, Cellular Highways in the UK commercialized Highway1, the world’s fastest chip-based cell sorter, utilizing VACS technology. With an incredible throughput of 43,000 cells per second, this MEMS-based microfluidic sorter is significantly enhancing throughput in biomedical research and clinical diagnostics.

Such innovations are pushing the boundaries of cell-sorting capabilities, allowing for greater precision, scalability, and automation.

Cell Sorting Market Growth Factors

Government & private funding in cell-sorting product development

Substantial investments from both government and private sectors are playing a pivotal role in the advancement of next-generation cell-sorting technologies. These funding efforts are focused on enabling high-throughput sorting capabilities and ensuring precision-based applications in critical areas such as clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.

• For example, in August 2024, ThinkCyte, an innovative leader in AI-powered cell sorting, secured $32 million in Series C funding, bringing its total funding to $91 million. This funding is aimed at expanding its VisionSort platform globally, which is already being deployed extensively by biopharmaceutical companies and academic institutions. The integration of AI in VisionSort enhances sorting precision, speed, and efficiency, allowing for better accuracy in single-cell analysis, which is essential for drug discovery, regenerative medicine, and clinical research.

These developments drive market demand by improving the ability to sort complex cell populations with greater consistency and reliability, thus fueling the growth of the cell-sorting market across various therapeutic and research applications.

Market Restraining Factors

High cost of cell-sorting instruments

The high cost associated with advanced cell-sorting technologies, such as fluorescence-activated cell-sorting (FACS) and microfluidic-based sorters, presents a significant barrier to market growth. Devices like the BD FACSAria III and Sony SH800S require substantial initial investments and are accompanied by ongoing maintenance expenses.

Moreover, the use of fluorophores, reagents, and consumables adds to the overall cost, making these systems inaccessible to small research laboratories, academic institutions, and low-resource facilities. The high maintenance fees and service contract costs further limit the scalability and adoption of these technologies, particularly in emerging markets.

Market Opportunity

Rising demand for single-cell analysis in precision medicine

The growing emphasis on single-cell analysis in precision medicine is driving significant growth in the cell-sorting market. As research in cancer, immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine expands, the need for high-throughput, highly precise cell-sorting technologies is becoming increasingly critical.

• For example, in January 2025, researchers at K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Iran, developed an innovative acoustofluidic system driven by standing surface acoustic waves (SSAW) that can recover 100% of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) with minimal energy consumption. This lab-on-chip platform not only enhances real-time cancer diagnosis but also holds great promise for point-of-care diagnostics.

Such technological breakthroughs create exciting opportunities for AI-driven, microfluidic-based sorting solutions in oncology and personalized medicine, catalyzing demand for advanced sorting technologies and expanding the market potential in these high-growth sectors.

Regional Insights

North America: Dominant region with 40.8% market share

North America holds a dominant position in the global cell sorting market, driven by significant biotechnology and pharmaceutical research investments, alongside a well-established healthcare infrastructure. The region is home to several market leaders, making it a hub for cutting-edge innovations. Moreover, substantial funding from government entities like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and non-profit organizations has significantly propelled market growth. The high uptake of research and clinical trials, coupled with the increasing prevalence of diseases and demand for advanced diagnostic technologies, continues to drive the adoption of sophisticated cell sorting technologies across North America.

Asia Pacific: Fastest growing region with the highest market CAGR

Asia-Pacific is expected to exhibit the highest CAGR, primarily due to strong government support for life sciences research and the expanding biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. Countries like China, Japan, and India are heavily investing in biomedical research, with significant progress in healthcare infrastructure development and the increasing prevalence of cancer and infectious diseases, driving market demand. Moreover, the rise in clinical trials and research applications for advanced cell sorting technologies is further spurring growth.

Countries Insights

• U.S.- The U.S. plays a key role in the global cell sorting market, driven by its advanced healthcare infrastructure and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, especially cancer. For instance, the National Cancer Institute estimated 2,001,140 new cancer cases in the U.S. in 2024, emphasizing the need for innovative diagnostic technologies like cell sorting. This surge in cancer diagnoses fuels demand for high-precision technologies, positioning the U.S. as a leader in driving market growth and the adoption of advanced cell sorting solutions.
• Germany- Germany is a major player in the European cell sorting market, propelled by its regulatory advancements and the development of cutting-edge technologies. In 2025, SGS Analytics Germany GmbH launched Germany’s first commercial fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS) service, serving the biopharmaceutical industry. Germany’s robust biopharmaceutical sector, along with its focus on innovative therapeutics and biological safety standards, drives continuous demand for high-quality cell sorting technologies, positioning the country at the forefront.
• China- China’s cell sorting industry is thriving, driven by the large population affected by chronic illnesses and significant investment in advanced technologies. For example, researchers at the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology developed a Raman-activated cell sorting platform that offers label-free, high-throughput sorting with 95% genome coverage. This innovation surpasses traditional fluorescence-based techniques, propelling China’s market for cell sorting by addressing both research and clinical diagnostic needs, fostering growth in the region.
• India– India’s cell sorting market is expanding rapidly, fueled by its vast population and the government’s strong support for research and development. For instance, researchers from Tata Memorial Centre and the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics in 2025 uncovered genomic candidates responsible for hormone therapy resistance in breast cancer. Such discoveries highlight India’s growing role in biomedical research, driving demand for advanced cell-sorting technologies in drug discovery, cancer research, and personalized medicine.
• Japan- Japan’s market for cell sorting is experiencing strong growth, thanks to collaborations and expansion among key industry players. In 2023, Sysmex Corporation launched its Clinical Flow Cytometry System, featuring the XF-1600 flow cytometer and PS-10 sample preparation system, capable of fully automating clinical testing. This launch underscores Japan's commitment to advancing clinical diagnostics and flow cytometry technologies. The country’s emphasis on innovation and high-quality healthcare solutions continues to drive the market toward further growth.

Segmentation Analysis

The global cell sorting market is segmented into product, technology, applications, and end-user.

By Product

The cell sorters segment dominates the market, driving the highest revenue due to their pivotal role in single-cell analysis on a high-throughput scale. These devices provide unmatched accuracy in sorting and are extensively used in clinical diagnostics and research.

• For instance, in May 2023, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) introduced the world's first spectral cell sorter, BD FACSDiscover S8, combining spectral flow cytometry and real-time imaging technology.

This advancement enhances single-cell research, immuno-oncology, and drug discovery, further driving demand for cell sorters in diverse sectors.

By Technology

Fluorescence-based droplet cell sorting leads the global market due to its high-speed precision and multi-parameter sorting ability. Therefore, this makes it ideal for clinical diagnostics, therapeutic drug development, and research.

• For instance, in January 2025, researchers published in Microsystems & Nanoengineering a fluorescence-activated droplet single-cell sorting platform (THE-FADS) that improved sorting efficiency to 55.5% and 50.3% with purities of 91% and 85% for MCF-7 cells. This innovation enhanced cell viability (>95%) and sorting precision.

Thus, solidifying fluorescence-based droplet cell sorting is the leading technology in the cell sorting market, allowing high-throughput, accurate single-cell analysis for cancer research and personalized medicine.

By Application

The research application segment dominates the market for cell sorting, as high-throughput, precise cell analysis is essential in drug discovery, cancer research, immunology, and genomics. The increasing demand for single-cell analysis, stem cell research, and biomarker identification further accelerates growth. Moreover, research institutions increasingly rely on cutting-edge cell sorting technologies to make significant strides in biomedical research, driving the expansion of this segment. This market is seeing rapid growth as demand for accurate, efficient sorting intensifies.

By End-User

Research institutions hold the largest share of the market thanks to substantial funding and an emphasis on single-cell analysis. These institutions are at the forefront of drug discovery, cancer research, and stem cell research, where high-precision sorting is crucial. Moreover, collaborations with biotechnology companies and government organizations help accelerate technological advancements, driving the adoption of high-throughput cell sorting solutions. Their focus on innovation fosters rapid progress, further strengthening their market dominance.

Company Market Share

Key players in the cell-sorting industry are increasingly adopting a variety of strategic business approaches to secure a competitive edge and expand their market presence. These strategies include strategic collaborations with research institutions and other industry leaders to drive innovation and enhance product development.

Deepcell, Inc.: An emerging player in the market

Deepcell, Inc., a leading biotech company headquartered in Menlo Park, California, is at the forefront of AI-driven single-cell analysis and sorting. The company specializes in developing next-generation microfluidics based cell sorting technologies, seamlessly integrated with deep learning algorithms to enhance the precision, speed, and scalability of cell-sorting processes.

Recent developments by Deepcell, Inc.:

• In May 2023, Deepcell, Inc. introduced the Benchtop REM-I Platform, an AI-driven single-cell analysis tool that provides unparalleled insights into cell biology via scalable single-cell imaging, high-dimensional analysis, and cell sorting.

Recent Developments

• April 2024 –BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) introduced the BD FACSDiscover S8 Cell Sorter, a cutting-edge technology designed to enhance the precision and efficiency of cell-sorting. The BD FACSDiscover S8 integrates spectral flow cytometry with real-time imaging technology, enabling researchers to quickly isolate target cells based on their visual features with unprecedented speed and accuracy.

Analyst Opinion

As per our analyst, the global cell sorting market is set to experience exceptional growth, driven by continuous advancements in flow cytometry, microfluidics, and AI-based sorting technologies. Key sectors such as oncology, immunotherapy, and regenerative medicine are acting as primary catalysts for this market expansion. Additionally, substantial investments in biotechnology, the increasing application of precision medicine, and the development of automated, high-throughput sorting systems are expected to further propel market growth.

Despite these advancements, there are challenges hindering market growth. High costs associated with advanced cell sorting instruments, such as fluorescence-activated cell sorters (FACS) and microfluidic systems, along with the significant maintenance costs, remain a barrier, particularly for small research institutions and low-resource settings. Additionally, the complexity and technical expertise required for operating these systems present challenges in widespread adoption.

However, despite these challenges, the economic boom in emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific regions like China and India, is driving rapid growth. Government support for biopharmaceutical ventures and healthcare advancements is expected to further fuel the demand for cell-sorting technologies. The integration of AI and machine learning into cell-sorting, facilitating real-time data analysis and high-precision sorting, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the cell-sorting market.