Agarose Market By Type (Standard melting agarose, Low melting point agarose, Others), By Application (Agarose gel electrophoresis, Others) and By Region (North America, South America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Middle East & Africa), and COVID-19 Analysis – Global Forecast 2020 to 2030

Market Analysis and Insights:

The market for Agarose was estimated to be worth USD 134.8 million in 2021, and it is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.17% during the forecast period, with an expected value of USD 212.9 million in 2030. 

The Agarose market is driven by several key factors. Firstly, the increasing demand for agarose in various industries such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages is a major driving force. Agarose is widely used in these industries for applications such as gel electrophoresis, drug delivery device, and as a gelling agent in food products. Additionally, the growing focus on research and development activities in life sciences and biotechnology is fueling the demand for agarose. Furthermore, the advancements in biotechnology, particularly in fields like genomics and proteomics, are increasing the demand for agarose, as it plays a crucial role in these applications.

Overall, the expanding applications of agarose across various industries and the continuous advancements in biotechnology are the key driving factors for the agarose market.

Agarose Market Scope:

Market Definition

Agarose is a polysaccharide obtained from seaweed, commonly used in gel electrophoresis for separating DNA  vaccine and proteins based on their size. It forms a gel-like matrix that enables the migration of molecules through an electric field.

Agarose is a crucial component in various scientific applications due to its unique properties and versatility. Its main role lies in gelelectrophoresis, a widely used technique for separation and analysis of DNA or proteins based on their size and charge. Agarose forms a gel matrix that allows for the migration of charged particles through an applied electric field. Its high gel strength and low binding capacity make it ideal for trapping biomolecules in the gel matrix while allowing their movement. Additionally, agarose is relatively inexpensive, biocompatible, and easy to handle, making it a preferred choice in molecular biology and biochemistry laboratories. Its importance in these scientific fields cannot be overstated, as agarose serves as a critical tool in various applications, ranging from genetic research to clinical diagnostics, further advancing our understanding of biology and supporting innovation in medicine and biotechnology.

Key Market Segmentation:

Insights On Key Type

Standard Melting Agarose 

Standard melting agarose is expected to dominate the global agarose market due to its wide range of applications in various industries including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and research laboratories. It is extensively used in gel electrophoresis, DNA isolation, and protein analysis due to its higher gel strength, clarity, and easy handling characteristics. The growing demand for genetic studies, drug development, and advancements in biotechnology will further drive the adoption of standard melting agarose in the coming years. 

Low Melting Point Agarose 

Low melting point agarose is another important segment of the global agarose market. This type of agarose is preferred for applications that require the incorporation of temperature-sensitive substances such as enzymes and proteins. Low melting point agarose offers the advantage of easy recovery of samples after gel electrophoresis, making it suitable for applications like DNA sequencing and cloning. 

Others 

The "others" segment in the global agarose market includes agarose derivatives and modified agarose products. These segments are gaining attention due to their unique properties and specific applications in niche areas. Agarose derivatives are chemically modified to obtain desired characteristics such as agarose beads for chromatography or agarose gels with exceptional resolution for protein separation. The development of novel agarose products with customized properties for different applications is a key focus area for manufacturers in the agarose market. The demand for these specialized agarose products is expected to grow alongside advancements in biotechnology and research fields. 

Insights On Key Application

Agarose gel electrophoresis is expected to dominate the Global Agarose market. Agarose gel electrophoresis is a widely used application in molecular biology research, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. It is used for separating nucleic acids and proteins based on their size and charge, making it an essential technique in genetic research, DNA fingerprinting, and drug development. The increasing demand for agarose gel electrophoresis from academic and research laboratories, as well as biopharmaceutical companies, is expected to drive the growth of this segment. As the demand for genetic research and biotechnology advancements continues to rise, agarose gel electrophoresis is expected to witness significant growth. The technique allows for the separation and analysis of nucleic acids, making it an invaluable tool in molecular biology research. Continuous innovations in this field and the development of advanced agarose matrices are further expected to drive the growth of this segment. 

Others: The "Others" segment includes applications of agarose other than agarose gel electrophoresis. This segment comprises various applications such as cell culture, microbiology, food industry, and cosmetics. Agarose is utilized in cell culture for providing a supportive matrix for cell growth and differentiation. In the food industry, agarose is used as a gelling agent in products such as jellies, desserts, and bakery items. Additionally, agarose finds applications in the cosmetics industry for creating stable emulsions and suspensions. Although these applications have their significance, they are not expected to dominate the Global Agarose market compared to agarose gel electrophoresis. 

Insights on Regional Analysis:

North America: North America is expected to dominate the global agarose market due to the growing demand for agarose in various research applications, such as molecular biology and biotechnology. The presence of well-established pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, along with advanced research facilities, further contribute to the dominance of the region.

South America: South America is witnessing steady growth in the agarose market due to the rising demand for agarose in research and diagnostic applications. The region is characterized by a growing biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector, which drives the market growth. Although South America currently holds a smaller market share compared to other regions, it is expected to exhibit significant growth potential in the forecast period. 

Asia Pacific: Asia Pacific is experiencing rapid growth in the agarose market, primarily driven by the expanding biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors. The increasing investment in research and development activities, along with the rising adoption of agarose in genomics, proteomics, and drug discovery applications, are fueling the market growth in the region. In addition, the presence of a large population base and growing awareness about advanced research technologies contribute to the potential growth opportunities in Asia Pacific. 

Europe: Europe is a prominent market for agarose, driven by the extensive research activities and advancements in the biotechnology sector. The presence of well-established healthcare infrastructure and research facilities supports the market growth in the region. Additionally, collaborations between research institutes and biotechnology companies contribute to the market development in Europe. Middle East & Africa: The Middle East & Africa region is witnessing moderate growth in the agarose market. The increasing investments in research and development activities, along with the growing adoption of agarose in various life science research applications, drive the market. Moreover, the presence of favorable government initiatives to promote the healthcare sector and research facilities supports the market growth in the region. However, the market share is relatively smaller compared to other regions due to the relatively limited availability of advanced research infrastructure. Nonetheless, the market is expected to showcase steady growth in the forecast period.

Company Profiles:

The key players in the Agarose Market include Lonza Group Ltd., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, Merck KGaA, SRL, Shanghai Tauto Biotech Co., Ltd., Amresco LLC, Span Diagnostics Ltd., CondaMedia Ltd., and Cambio Ltd. 

COVID-19 Impact and Market Status:

The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the Global Agarose market, leading to disruptions in supply chains and a decrease in demand due to the closure of laboratories and research facilities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the agarose market. Agarose, a versatile polysaccharide commonly used in various applications such as gel electrophoresis, molecular biology, and microbiology, has been heavily affected by the global health crisis. With the implementation of lockdown measures and restrictions on non-essential activities, laboratories and research institutions were forced to shutdown or operate at reduced capacity, thereby impacting the demand for agarose. Additionally, disruptions in the supply chain and logistical challenges caused by travel restrictions and border closures affected the availability of raw materials needed for agarose production, leading to increased prices and limited supply. The reduced demand and limited availability of agarose have not only impacted the scientific research sector, but also industries reliant on agarose, such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. However, as governments ease restrictions and laboratories resume operations, the market is expected to gradually recover. The adoption of preventive measures and hygiene protocols in research facilities will also play a crucial role in the recovery process.

Latest Trends and Innovation:

- In September 2020, Lonza Group announced the acquisition of Cytiva's cell-culture media and sera, gene-modulation and magnetic beads businesses, which includes their product lines related to agarose.
- In July 2019, Bio-Rad Laboratories launched its new product, SurePAGE, an agarose precast gel system, which offers improved resolution and faster running times for protein and nucleic acid gel electrophoresis.
- In February 2018, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, introduced a high-performance agarose, called Resolve, which provides superior results for DNA and RNA electrophoresis.
- In October 2017, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. acquired GE Healthcare's bioprocessing business, including their product line of agarose-based chromatography resins.
- In November 2016, VWR International LLC announced a collaboration with Macrocyclics, a subsidiary of Areva Med, to distribute Macrocyclics' line of agarose-based products for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications.
- In May 2015, Danaher Corporation's subsidiary, Pall Corporation, launched a new agarose resin, called Mustang Q XT500, which offers high binding capacity and separation efficiency for antibody purification.
- In September 2014, Agilent Technologies Inc. announced the acquisition of Seahorse Bioscience, a company specializing in cellular metabolism analysis systems, expanding Agilent's product portfolio to include Seahorse's innovative products utilizing agarose-based microplates.

Significant Growth Factors:

The sustained expansion of the Agarose market can be attributed to a confluence of factors such as increasing applications in biotechnology, molecular biology, and pharmaceutical industries, coupled with rising investments in research and development activities.

The Agarose Market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to several key factors. Firstly, the increasing applications of agarose in the life science research industry, such as electrophoresis techniques, cell culture, and diagnostic testing, are driving the market growth. Agarose is used as a matrix for separation and purification of biomolecules, making it essential for various research and diagnostic purposes. Secondly, the rising demand for agarose in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries is fueling the market growth. Agarose is used for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and as a medium for protein and DNA analysis, creating a high demand from these sectors. Additionally, the increasing use of agarose in microbiology applications, such as microbial culture and microbiological media, is contributing to the market growth. However, factors such as the high cost of agarose, especially for high-quality grades, and the availability of alternative products may restrain the market growth to some extent. Nevertheless, ongoing technological advancements and innovations in agarose products are expected to present lucrative opportunities for market growth in the forecast period. Overall, the Agarose Market is likely to experience significant growth due to its widespread applications in various industries and the continuous advancements in the field of life sciences.

Restraining Factors:

The limited availability of raw materials and high production costs act as restraining factors for the Agarose market.

The agarose market is faced with several restraining factors that hinder its growth and development. Firstly, the limited availability and increasing costs of raw materials used in the production of agarose pose a challenge to the market. Fluctuations in the prices of seaweed, the primary source of agarose, impact the manufacturing costs and ultimately the price of agarose, making it less affordable for end-users. Additionally, the complex and time-consuming process of extracting agarose from seaweed is a significant constraint, as it limits the production capacity and leads to supply shortages. Many potential users, especially in emerging regions, are unaware of the product and its potential uses. Furthermore, the increasing demand for alternatives to agarose, such as synthetic polymers or other gelling agents, further dampens the market's growth potential. Lastly, the stringent government regulations and certifications required for the production and usage of agarose add to the market's challenges. However, despite these restraints, the agarose market holds promise due to its unique properties, ranging from gel formation to electrophoresis applications. The market is expected to overcome these challenges through technological advancements, increased research and development, and the rising demand for agarose.

Key Segmentation:

Key Segments of the Agarose Market 

Agarose Type Overview 
• Standard Melting Agarose
• Low Melting Point Agarose
• Others

Application Overview 
• Agarose Gel Electrophoresis
• Others

Regional Overview

North America
• U.S
• Canada
Europe
• Germany
• France
• UK
• Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Rest of Asia Pacific
South America
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Rest of South America