Growing Need for User-Friendly, Complex Utility in the Imaging Arena
A New Report From Biocompare, Inc. Finds That Nikon and Zeiss Dominate the Imaging Market
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 17, 2005 -- A new report from Biocompare, Inc., 2005 Cellular Imaging and Imaging Analysis Report, based on a survey of nearly 600 researchers, finds that Nikon and Zeiss are the top two suppliers of microscopes, imaging software, and imaging-related products. While most investigators are not deviating from the imaging applications of a year ago, most desire more intuitive and user-friendly systems, with notable advances in resolution and complex functions topping overall researcher wish lists.
The survey explores the imaging applications that drive the microscopy market and the preferred vendors of imaging equipment and software. Confocal microscopy has seen an upsurge in interest during the past several years, owing mainly to researcher desire for more complex functions and applications. The use of confocal imaging in high-throughput proteomics and drug development strategies, in addition to clinical diagnostics, has broadened its reach into many disparate scientific disciplines. Automated confocal systems, in combination with charge-coupled devices, allow high-content screening, the new buzzword of microscopy.
Revenue from sales of imaging equipment and software is expected to grow consistently over the next 4-5 years, with confocal contributing a lion's share of the market, perhaps exceeding $154.9 million by 2008. Collectively, imaging is expected to top $2.77 billion by 2009.
The report also notes that there is a trend towards the use of cell-based assays in research laboratories. Respondents are most interested in cell proliferation and viability assays (over 14.5%) and cell signaling assays (13.4%). Primary cells are most often imaged with fluorescent dyes and labeled antibodies as the detection technologies of choice. Such trends are in line with last year, but scientists require better resolution and higher efficiency and accuracy from their imaging studies, driving the high-precision, digitized market. Such improvements in existing products may insure vendor dominance in the years ahead.
This report, 2005 Cellular Imaging and Imaging Analysis Report, available from Biocompare, Inc., explores researchers' future purchasing plans and imaging-related techniques, applications, equipment, and software they are currently using for their research. More information about this and other reports available from Biocompare can be found at: https://www.biocompare.com/research
About Biocompare
Biocompare, Inc. (http://www.biocompare.com), headquartered in South San Francisco, California, is a global media company informing and connecting the buyers, users and sellers of life science products. By combining an in-depth knowledge of life science products and new technologies with the power of the Internet, Biocompare offers a dynamic, relevant and innovative media-based marketplace for life science information.