Membrane Chromatography Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Capsules Cassette & Cartridges, Membrane Filters), By Technique, By End Use, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Membrane Chromatography Market Trends

The global membrane chromatography market size was estimated at USD 284.45 million in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 15.7% from 2024 to 2030. The growth of the market is driven by the rising demand for biopharmaceuticals and the growing regulatory focus on the cleaning validation of downstream purification processes. The demand for membrane chromatography is growing due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness in biopharmaceutical purification processes.

Unlike traditional column chromatography, membrane chromatography offers higher binding capacities, faster processing times, and reduced buffer consumption. Its scalability and ease of use make it ideal for capturing and polishing large biomolecules, such as monoclonal antibodies and viral vectors, which are increasingly important in therapeutic and vaccine production. In addition, the rise in demand for biologics, coupled with stringent regulatory standards for purity and safety, drives the adoption of advanced purification technologies like membrane chromatography in the bioprocessing industry.

Furthermore, growing approvals by key market players from regulatory bodies for the manufacturing and supply of biopharmaceuticals aimed at treating various diseases are likely to fuel the demand over the coming years. For instance, in April 2024, Boehringer Ingelheim Biopharmaceuticals China (BioChina), in partnership with a customer, successfully passed pre-approval inspections by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This achievement is significant for BioChina as it demonstrates its commitment to meeting the stringent regulatory standards of the EMA and the U.S. FDA.

Moreover, the increase in R&D expenditure in the biopharmaceutical sector aided in the market's growth. For instance, as per the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations’ 2021 report on the pharmaceutical industry and global health, the biopharmaceutical industry’s annual R&D spending surpasses that of aerospace and defense by 7.3 times, chemicals by 6.5 times, and software and computer services by 1.5 times. The report estimated that in 2022, over USD 202 billion were invested globally in biopharmaceutical research and development, reflecting the increasing popularity of biopharmaceuticals.

Furthermore, the growing number of product launches is further propelling the membrane chromatography market's growth. For instance, in August 2023, Waters Corporation launched the XBridge Premier GTx BEH SEC columns specifically designed for gene therapy applications. These new columns aim to address the unique challenges faced in gene therapy research and development, offering high performance and reliability.

Membrane chromatography has emerged as a valuable tool in the downstream processing of biopharmaceuticals due to its ability to streamline processes, reduce steps, and enhance overall efficiency. For instance,  the article published in September 2023 on “Template-Assisted Membrane Crystallization Downstream Processing for Monoclonal Antibody Purification” highlights a novel approach to downstream processing for monoclonal antibody purification using template-assisted membrane crystallization. This technique involves using templates to control crystal growth on membranes, improving monoclonal antibody separation efficiency and purity. This technology offers several advantages, making it an attractive option for the biopharmaceutical industry.

Product Insights

The capsules, cassette & cartridges segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 30.35% in 2023. Various growth factors drive the demand for capsules and cartridges in the membrane chromatography market. These components offer significant advantages in scalability, efficiency, and ease of use compared to traditional chromatography techniques. They enable faster processing times, higher throughput, and reduced costs associated with purification processes in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Additionally, the increasing adoption of single-use technologies across the biopharmaceutical industry is a key driver, as it minimizes the risk of cross-contamination and simplifies cleaning validation processes.

The membrane filter segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2030. It offers precise molecular separation capabilities, crucial for purifying biomolecules in biopharmaceutical production. Their ability to selectively separate target molecules based on size, charge, and hydrophobicity contributes to higher purity and yield, which is essential for meeting stringent regulatory requirements.

Moreover, advancements in membrane technology, such as improvements in membrane materials, pore size distribution, and surface chemistry, continue to enhance filtration efficiency and performance. The trend towards single-use technologies in bioprocessing further boosts the adoption of membrane filters due to their disposability, which reduces operational complexity and lowers the risk of contamination. These factors collectively drive the growth of membrane filters in the membrane chromatography market, positioning them as pivotal components in modern biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Technique Insights

The ion exchange membrane chromatography segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 47.01% in 2023. The growth is attributed to its less invasive properties and affordable post and pre-procedure cost of endoscopy devices are the major factors anticipated to boost the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is a cutting-edge medical technology that revolutionizes the way gastrointestinal disorders are diagnosed and monitored. One of the primary advantages of WCE is its non-invasive nature. Unlike traditional endoscopic procedures that require sedation and insertion of a flexible tube through the mouth or rectum, WCE involves swallowing a capsule, eliminating discomfort and risks associated with invasive techniques.

The hydrophobic interaction membrane chromatography (HIMC) segment is expected to grow at the CAGR from 2024 to 2030. The increasing demand for efficient and high-throughput purification processes in the biopharmaceutical industry fuels the market's growth. As the production of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins, continues to rise, there is a growing need for effective purification techniques that can handle large volumes and complex mixtures. Hydrophobic interaction membrane chromatography offers a powerful solution by providing high binding capacity and selectivity for hydrophobic molecules, streamlining the purification process, and enhancing overall productivity.

End use Insights

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 53.73% in 2023. The rising demand for biopharmaceutical products such as vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and gene therapies requires efficient and scalable purification methods, with membrane chromatography being particularly effective. Companies are heavily investing in research and development to enhance downstream processing efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality, leading to increased adoption of membrane chromatography techniques. Additionally, strict regulatory requirements for product purity and safety are driving pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms to embrace advanced purification technologies, further boosting the market. The shift towards personalized medicine and the production of smaller, more specialized batches of biopharmaceuticals also favors the flexibility and efficiency offered by membrane chromatography.

The contract research organizations (CROs) and contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) segment is likely to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2030. CRO and CMO provide specialized services that include drug development, manufacturing, and testing, enabling biopharmaceutical companies to outsource key aspects of their production processes. The increasing complexity and specificity of biopharmaceutical products, such as monoclonal antibodies and cell and gene therapies, require advanced and efficient purification methods, driving CROs and CMOs to adopt membrane chromatography technologies.

Regional Insights

North America membrane chromatography market dominated the global market with a revenue share of 42.61% in 2023. The dominance of the market is attributed to the growing investments in research and development activities related to membrane chromatography. These investments fuel innovation, drive technological advancements, and enhance the competitiveness of the region’s biopharmaceutical industry. Moreover, the well-established healthcare sector in North America provides a solid presence for the growth of membrane chromatography technologies. 

U.S. Membrane Chromatography Market Trends

The membrane chromatography market in the U.S. held the largest share in 2023, in the North American region. The growing presence of emerging pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. market is fueling the expansion of the membrane chromatography market. As these companies continue to innovate and bring new therapies to market, the demand for efficient purification technologies, including membrane chromatography, is expected to rise significantly.

Europe Membrane Chromatography Market Trends

The Europe membrane chromatography market is expected to witness lucrative growth over the forecast period owing to the expanding portfolio in membrane chromatography. For instance, in February 2022, Sartorius AG strengthened its chromatography capabilities by acquiring Novasep's chromatography division. This strategic move enables Sartorius to access a portfolio tailored for smaller biomolecules like peptides, oligonucleotides, and insulin, as well as advanced systems for continuous biologics manufacturing. By incorporating Novasep's offerings, Sartorius aims to diversify its revenue streams and strengthen its position as a leading provider of chromatography solutions.

Asia Pacific Membrane Chromatography Market Trends

The Asia Pacific membrane chromatography market is being driven by factors such as increasing R&D activities in pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology sectors. The market is witnessing a shift towards advanced technologies and innovative products to meet the growing need for high-resolution separation techniques. Additionally, stringent regulations regarding drug safety and quality control contribute to the expansion of the membrane chromatography market in the Asia Pacific. Companies operating in this market are focusing on strategic collaborations, product launches, and expansions to strengthen their market presence and cater to the diverse requirements of customers in the regions.

Key Membrane Chromatography Company Insights

The market is dynamic and competitive, with several key players competing for market share. Companies in this market focus on research and development, strategic partnerships, and product launches. Their commitment to advancing care through technological innovations has contributed to their substantial market share.

Recent Developments

• In June 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. strengthened its presence in the Asia Pacific market by establishing a sterile drug facility in Singapore. This strategic move aligns with the company’s focus on providing new medications and vaccines, complementing its expanded research capabilities at the Bioprocess Design Center and Customer Experience Center.

• In June 2021, 3M introduced the Harvest RC clarifier, a cutting-edge single-stage purification solution tailored for the manufacturing of recombinant protein therapeutics. This launch highlights 3M’s dedication to advancing bioprocessing technologies by providing a simplified and effective method for protein purification, ultimately boosting manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

• In February 2021, 3M Health Care announced the launch of the 3M Polisher ST product, a single-use anion exchange chromatography solution used for the replacement of reusable polishing columns for biological drug manufacturing.

Membrane Chromatography Market Report Scope

Global Membrane Chromatography Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global membrane chromatography market report based on product, technique, end use, and region.

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Capsules Cassette & Cartridges

  • Syringe Filters

  • Membrane Filters

  • Filter Plates

  • Spin Columns

  • Others

• Technique Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Ion Exchange Membrane Chromatography

  • Affinity Membrane Chromatography

  • Hydrophobic Interaction Membrane Chromatography (HIMC)

• End use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies

  • CRO and CMO

  • Academic research institutes

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Norway

    • Sweden

    • Denmark

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait