Protein Crystallization Market

Market Overview

The global protein crystallization market size was valued at USD 1.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 3.8 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period (2024-2032). The market is growing due to the rising investment in biopharmaceutical research and development and the expanding use of protein therapies.

Protein crystallization involves the formation of protein crystals by introducing precipitating agents and carefully monitoring factors such as pH, temperature, and ionic strength in the solution. Crystallization plays a crucial role in supporting investigations in structural biology through the use of X-ray diffraction crystallography. This procedure enables researchers to represent the three-dimensional configurations of proteins visually. Furthermore, crystallization is a highly efficient technique for generating proteins of high purity that are devoid of any contaminants. Consequently, it provides an alternate approach for separating and purifying proteins, serving as a viable substitute for preparative chromatography. 

The protein crystallization and crystallography market is anticipated to experience growth in the future years due to the increasing need for protein therapies. Moreover, technology's continued advancement is expected to drive the development of protein crystallization and crystallography in the market. Moreover, the increasing focus on miniaturization is expected to support the growth of the protein crystallization and crystallography industry.

Highlights

• Consumables generate the highest revenue share based on product type.
• X-ray crystallography accounts for the largest market share by technology.
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies account for the largest market share by end-use.

Market Dynamics

Global Protein Crystallization Market Drivers

Growing Demand for Protein Therapeutics

Protein therapeutics have become crucial to the healthcare industry in recent years. Due to their low immunogenicity and specificity, protein treatments are commonly used to treat several severe diseases, such as cancer. The manufacturer's adoption of growth strategies in response to the increasing demand for protein-based medications and therapies would expedite market growth and enable them to secure the most significant market share. In January 2022, Amgen and Generate Biomedicines collaborated to discover and develop protein therapeutics for five specific targets in various therapeutic modalities and domains. 

In addition, SPOC Proteomics, Inc., a deep-tech life sciences business headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, and Menlo Park, California, has announced the commercial release of their configurable sensor-integrated proteome-on-chip (SPOC®) biosensors. These biosensors are now available for restricted beta testing at SLAS2024. This announcement comes after the business revealed its ambitions to introduce a catalog of SPOC protein-biosensor chips at the Precision Medicine World Conference in Silicon Valley in 2024.

Additionally, in January 2022, Halo Labs, a business specializing in life science instruments for biologics researchers, announced the debut of its newest products, Aura+ and Aura PTx. Aura+ and Aura PTx are the latest iterations of Halo Labs' well-received instrument series, which integrate Backgrounded Membrane Imaging (BMI) and Fluorescence Membrane Microscopy (FMM). Aura PTx enables drug product researchers to identify excipient deterioration in their therapies with unprecedented ease and precision. Aura+ is a comprehensive solution for medication makers to ensure the safety, stability, and effectiveness of their protein, cell, and gene treatments.

Hence, the increasing demand for protein therapies and the corresponding strategies implemented by major players in the sector will drive market growth throughout the projected timeframe. 

Global Protein Crystallization Market Restraints

Complexity in Protein Crystallization

For X-ray crystallography and formulation development, it is essential to have excellent-quality protein crystals. This complex procedure starts with a solution containing a pure and highly concentrated protein sample. Under ideal conditions, the liquid portion of the solution gradually evaporates, resulting in the formation of protein crystals. This technique reliably produces high-quality crystals for specific proteins. Crystalline insulin, for example, is employed as a prolonged-release form. Producing high-quality crystals from proteins other than those mentioned is significantly more difficult. 

Additionally, protein crystallization is sometimes described as a combination of scientific methodology and artistic intuition due to its predominantly experimental nature. Nevertheless, specific characteristics of proteins are recognized to pose difficulties in crystal growth. Membrane proteins pose significant challenges in terms of purification and crystallization. Several proteins in this category, such as transmembrane receptors and ion channels, are highly intriguing regarding drug development. Therefore, this is anticipated to impede the market expansion to a certain degree.

Global Protein Crystallization Market Opportunity

Technological Advancements

Technological advancements in crystallization technologies, namely cell-free protein crystallization methods, are expected to offer promising market opportunities in the projected future. In October 2022, researchers from the Tokyo Institute of Technology developed an innovative technique for protein crystallization that does not require cells. The method makes a substantial contribution to breakthroughs in structural biology by enabling the study of unstable proteins that are not amenable to investigation using conventional techniques.

In addition, in June 2023, engineers from MIT developed an innovative method to carry out this type of purification. Their methodology, employing specific nanoparticles for the fast crystallization of proteins, has the potential to enhance the affordability and accessibility of protein therapeutics, particularly in developing nations.

Additionally, in November 2023, researchers from Tokyo Tech made advancements in bioengineering by utilizing genetically modified bacteria. These bacteria can encase protein crystals with protein cages. The in-cell biosynthesis approach effectively generates highly tailored protein complexes, which can be used as sophisticated solid catalysts and functionalized nanomaterials. These advancements promote the creation of novel and enhanced protein crystal therapies for various illnesses, including cancer and muscular dystrophy.

Regional Analysis

The global protein crystallization 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 protein crystallization market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.1% over the forecast period. The expansion in the area is ascribed to the increasing technological progress and the burgeoning research and development in the biopharmaceutical sector. According to the International Trade Administration of the US Department of Commerce, the United States holds about one-third of the global biopharmaceutical market. It is also the global leader in biopharmaceutical research and development. According to PhRMA, biopharmaceutical businesses allocated the highest funds towards research and development in the United States in 2017, totaling USD 97 billion. This expenditure surpassed that of other industries.

Additionally, biopharmaceutical firms significantly contribute to the overall economic growth of the United States. In 2018, US-based enterprises with significant foreign ownership exported biopharmaceuticals valued at more than USD 17 billion. In the same year, these predominantly foreign-owned corporations allocated roughly USD 20 billion towards research and development (R&D). In 2019, the pharmaceutical and medical device industries received a combined foreign direct investment of USD 511.3 billion.

Furthermore, collaboration between major stakeholders and research institutions will drive market growth. In January 2022, Cullinan Oncology Inc. and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai established a collaboration to develop advanced small-molecule immune modulators. Hence, this particular form of investment is anticipated to propel the expansion of the market within the specified region.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 8.8% over the forecast period. The increasing incidence of cancer in countries such as India and China is expected to fuel market growth in the region. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), it is anticipated that there will be a total of 1,461,427 new cases of cancer in India in 2022. In India, the prevalence of cancer is such that around 1 in 9 individuals have a persistent risk of having the disease throughout their lifetime. 

In addition, lung and breast cancer were the prevailing types of cancer in both men and women. Based on the projections, the number of cancer cases in 2025 is expected to increase by 12.8% compared to 2020. Furthermore, the increasing allocation of resources towards healthcare infrastructure is a significant driver of market expansion. Moreover, the growing pharmaceutical sector in countries like India and China is anticipated to propel market growth throughout the projected timeframe. According to the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency, the pharmaceutical market in India is predicted to reach USD 65 billion by 2024 and USD 130 billion by 2030. 

Currently, the India Pharmaceuticals market is valued at over USD 50 billion. India's pharmaceutical exports reach over 200 nations, establishing India as a prominent global provider of pharmaceuticals. Therefore, these facts substantiate the market expansion in the Asia-Pacific area.

Europe holds a significant market share. Advancements in biotechnological approaches and a growing emphasis on protein-based medication research are the main factors driving the protein crystallization market in Europe. European pharmaceutical companies are increasing their research efforts to develop new medicine formulations for complex disorders. As a result, there is a growing need for protein crystallization techniques, which are crucial for establishing protein structures using X-ray crystallography. Moreover, the advancement of personalized medicine and the requirement for detailed protein structures to develop targeted treatments make substantial contributions. 

Segmental Analysis

The global protein crystallization market is segmented based on product, technology, and end user. 

Based on the product, the global protein crystallization market is segmented into instruments, consumables, software, and services.

Consumables dominated the market in 2023. Consumables encompass reagents, kits/screens, microplates, and other things essential to facilitate crystallization procedures. Protein crystallization kits offer a highly effective screening approach to identify the most favorable solubility conditions for protein crystallization. Various prominent industry competitors are providing a diverse array of consumable products. Corning Incorporated provides Corning Next Generation CrystalEX Microplates for 96-well High Throughput Sitting Drop Protein Crystallization. Therefore, the segment is anticipated to be enhanced by the leading companies' advanced consumable goods and the recurrent charges.

The software and services segment is growing at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The program is utilized during the entire crystallization process, encompassing analysis, dispensing, design, and image viewing. An example is the FORMULATRIX program ROCK MAKER, which efficiently generates many screening assays for one or more proteins. Additionally, it assigns scores and facilitates the comparison of the gathered photographs. Therefore, this particular software feature is anticipated to stimulate the growth of this industry over the projected timeframe. 

The instruments category ranks as the second largest. It comprises a Liquid Handling Instrument and Crystal Imaging Instruments. Instruments are essential in the protein crystallization market as they facilitate the protein crystallization process, a critical stage in structural biology and drug development. Furthermore, advancements in equipment persistently propel advancements in the discipline, facilitating the examination of intricate biological macromolecules and expediting the creation of innovative treatments. 

Based on the technology, the market is bifurcated into X-ray Crystallography, Cryo-electron Microscopy, NMR Spectroscopy, and Others.

X-ray Crystallography is expected to capture the largest market share during the forecast period. X-ray crystallography is the preferred method for determining the structure of biological macromolecules and proteins. The process entails the formation of crystalized proteins, subjecting them to X-ray bombardment, and subsequently reconstructing their structure based on the discernible patterns of diffracted light. Furthermore, X-ray crystallography is characterized by its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, superior diffraction capabilities, reduced radiation damage to crystals, and the potential for secure storage, transportation, and utilization of crystals. The technology's capabilities are enhancing the segment.

Cryo-electron microscopy is projected to grow substantially during the forecast period. These approaches offer various advantages compared to their equivalents, including the capacity to analyze proteins and their intricate giant molecules without requiring crystals. Therefore, the benefits mentioned above are anticipated to propel the growth of this category throughout the projected timeframe.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy ranks as the second largest. NMR spectroscopy is essential in the protein crystallization market as it offers comprehensive information about the structure and dynamics of proteins. This method provides unmatched precision in determining the atomic-level structures of proteins in a liquid state, which helps improve the conditions for crystal formation. In addition, it enhances the effectiveness of other methods in structural biology, such as X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, thereby contributing to a thorough comprehension of protein structures. In general, NMR spectroscopy dramatically improves the efficiency and likelihood of success in protein crystallization endeavors.

Based on the end user, the market is segmented into Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies and Academic and Research Institutes. 

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment dominated in 2023. Protein crystallization techniques in structural biology serve essential roles, including facilitating drug design and enabling controlled drug discovery. The 3-D conformation of molecules is ascertained using protein crystallography, which is employed in the computational design of drugs. Protein crystallization leads to the generation of more accurate 3-D protein structures. These crystals of superior quality have the potential to assist pharmaceutical and biotechnology businesses in gaining a more profound comprehension of biological processes and enhancing the development of drugs. 

The academic and research institutes segment is experiencing the most rapid growth. Academic and research institutes are crucial in advancing protein crystallization techniques, promoting innovation, and facilitating collaboration in the protein crystallization business. By conducting foundational research, they discover novel approaches and tools that enhance the comprehension of protein structure and function. Moreover, these establishments function as educational facilities for upcoming scientists, providing them with the necessary expertise to address intricate obstacles in protein crystallization. 

Recent Developments

• April 2024– Bruker Corporation (Nasdaq: BRKR), a prominent nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy solutions supplier, unveiled new advanced solid-state NMR scientific capabilities. These capabilities can facilitate groundbreaking discoveries in structural biology, specifically in the study of large proteins, membrane proteins, and protein aggregates.
• March 2024– Bruker Corporation (Nasdaq: BRKR) revealed advancements in immunopeptidomics, glycoproteomics, and other CCS-enabled 4D-proteomics workflows during the 20th US Human Proteome Organization Congress in 2024. Bruker's deep, at-scale proteomics, glycomics, and peptidomics research solutions are progressing rapidly and are highly compatible with other cutting-edge life-science technologies for the post-genomic era.