It’s a miracle in chemistry! By using cry-electron microscopy, more and more protein structures are being identified. Did you know that the global cryo-electron microscopy market was valued at USD 1.16 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow to USD 3.41 billion at a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period 2032?
Scientists have discovered a technique that lets scientists observe the detailed structures of nucleic acids, proteins, and other biomolecules and even examine how they move and alter as they execute their functions.
This post focuses on all the aspects of cryo-electron, including its market insights, what it is, and its benefits.
What is Cryo-electron Microscopy?
Cryo-electron microscopy, or Cryo-EM, is a method for observing macromolecular structures. Samples can be examined at cryogenic temperatures thanks to this type of transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, cryo-EM has been used to define in atomic detail various biological structures, including mitochondria from pathogens, super-coiled DNA, ion channels, and ribosomes.
Observing and understanding biological structures is a crucial first step in inventing new medications and treatments. Therefore, the added benefits of the Cryo-EM technique are widespread in structural biology.
The Technological Advancements in Cryo-EM
Cryo-EM is becoming increasingly popular due to its high resolution and ability to image large and complex molecules. As a result, there is a growing cryo-electron microscopy market demand in:
- Pharmaceutical discovery
- Disease research
- Protein engineering
Also, researchers’ need for more precise and accurate imaging of biological molecules promotes the development of new and sophisticated cryo-electron microscopy imaging technologies. These improvements include image-processing software algorithms, enhanced electron detectors, and sample preparation techniques.
Furthermore, the demand for developed imaging technologies like cryo-electron microscopy is driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, including Alzheimer’s, cancer, and cardiovascular disorders. This is because studying the structure of disease-causing proteins using cryo-electron microscopy can help us better understand the underlying molecular causes of these illnesses. This aspect fuels the market expansion for cryo-electron microscopy.
The Scanning Electron Microscopy Sector
The scanning electron microscopy sector holds a sizeable cryo-electron microscopy market share with a resolution of 10 nm or 100 A, as it is preferred for particle size analysis. An SEM produces a picture by scanning a surface with a concentrated beam of electrons. The interaction between the beam’s electrons and the sample results in various signals that can be used to learn more about the surface’s topography and composition.
Elaboration of Market in North America
The market in North America is expanding significantly due to several factors, including:
- Growing R&D expenditures
- Advancing microscopy technology, and
- Launch of new products
As a result, the North American region is anticipated to rule the market.
Current Developments
- The AFM100, a revolutionary microscope that offers much better sensitivity for assessing physical qualities and enables measurements at the atomic and molecular scales, was released by Hitachi High-Tech Corporation in June of 2022.
- Eikon Therapeutics, a firm that specializes in creating Cryo-EM technology for drug discovery and structural biology research, was purchased by Thermo Fisher Scientific in February 2022. Due to this acquisition, Thermo Fisher will be better positioned in the Cryo-EM market.
- The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) inaugurated a brand-new Cryo-EM facility in Hamburg, Germany, in December 2021. Thanks to the facility’s cutting-edge Cryo-EM devices, researchers will have access to advanced imaging technology for biological study.
The Bottom Line
To summarize, Cryo-EM has appeared as an influential imaging technique to define biological molecule structures. And in the future, it can be used for structure-based medication discovery, resulting in the cryo-electron microscopy market growth.
By innovating and investing in health technology, we believe that we can really change the future of health. – Frans van Houten