2D gel electrophoresis market heading for boom?
labour intensive, but its value to proteomics research means that
the market for these products will more than double by 2010.
A new report from Frost & Sullivan - entitled World Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Markets - reveals that revenue in the world 2D gel markets totalled $313 million in 2003 and is projected to reach $717 million by 2010.
"Most researchers concede that the quality of data gathered from gels is superior to that obtained by using other techniques," noted F&S industry analyst Sinead Igoe. "But very often, instead of utilising complementary technologies in tandem, researchers tend to opt for either one or the other."
For instance, she pointed out that the use of 2D gels along with liquid chromatography can yield comprehensive results, but researchers are sometimes inclined to choose one over the other, and this restrains overall gel sales.
"As researchers become increasingly conscious of the benefits derived from the synchronised use of these techniques, they are likely to allocate more funds in research and development to expand the proteomics market," she suggested.
Yet another factor that is likely to popularise the uptake of 2D gels is their ability to gather large amounts of information through image analysis and data-mining solutions.
As the demand for comprehensive solutions with greater accuracy rates continues to increase, researchers are expected to incorporate 2D gel image analysis software along with the results derived from alternative tools and technologies.
"Gel comparisons and image storage capabilities enable researchers to generate quality information and further the analysis of specific samples," said Igoe.
However, even while they acknowledge the significance of data derived from 2D gel image analysis, scientists are hesitant to learn new techniques and software programmes. This could translate into a failure to move from older packages to new, more advanced software solutions.
On the whole, huge corporations such as pharmaceuticals companies have been found to be more adoptive of new solutions, while smaller companies are more circumspect, according to the report.
Furthermore, while researchers are unanimous on the performance capabilities of 2D gels, they are daunted by the time-consuming procedures and difficulties associated with using them.
Generating credentials that reinforce the long-term benefits of reverting to 2D gel compatible software is expected to alleviate some of this hesitation.
