|
|
 |
|
Viewing report
|
|
|
|
Strategic Analysis of Thermal Cycler Markets in Europe
Frost & Sullivan, Dec 2006, Pages: 69
This Frost & Sullivan research service titled Strategic Analysis of Thermal Cycler Markets in Europe provides an overview of current market trends and the future of thermal cycler markets. The study includes a complete analysis of key market drivers and restraints. Finally, it provides strategic solutions to the vendors to enable them to improve their market share. In this research, Expert analysts thoroughly examine the following markets: conventional thermal cyclers and real-time thermal cyclers.
Technologies
The following technologies are covered in this research:
-Resistive heating
-Peltier cooling
-Passive water or air cooling
Market Sectors
Expert analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:
-Conventional thermal cyclers
-Real-time thermal cyclers
Market Overview
Growing Acceptance of PCR Technology Promotes Market Growth
The completion of the human genome project has created new avenues in the field of molecular biology in Europe. As a result, the concept of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is being widely accepted in the European scientific community. Accordingly, the sale of thermal cyclers is growing, and the end-user platform has widened from drug discovery to various fields of molecular biology such as DNA sequencing, gene expression, forensic finger printing and paternity testing, among others. Furthermore, governments in Europe are focusing on funding biotechnological research, which has encouraged several end users to opt for thermal cyclers.
'With the concept of PCR being widely explored and in view of the various advantages it offers, several branches of science are employing PCR in their research processes,' notes the analyst of this research service. 'As a result, the thermal cycler markets in Europe are experiencing significant growth. Moreover, the introduction of real-time PCR technology has opened new avenues in molecular biology research and consequently, the real-time thermal cycler markets are demonstrating steady growth.' End users are exhibiting greater preference for real-time thermal cyclers in comparison to conventional cyclers due to the instant quantitative results of the amplified DNA sequences. As real-time thermal cyclers are of high value, the overall market value of thermal cyclers is increasing. New entrants in the market are also targeting the real-time thermal cycler segment due to its enormous profitability.
Manufacturers to Address Price Issues to Fuel Market Expansion
The thermal cycler markets are subject to constant changes, as new technologies are being incorporated into the instrument models. In addition, the incorporation of software into these instruments has simplified many laborious manual processes, rendering the PCR process simpler. With continuing technological advancements, a variety of high-end instruments are being manufactured and competition is intensifying in the market. However, the cost effectiveness of thermal cyclers, particularly real-time cyclers, is a major concern among end users. 'PCR is growing in importance in the biotechnology industry and is one of the preferred laboratory techniques of most researchers,' explains the analyst. 'However, the major question is whether these technologies are cost effective. While there is a clear indication of the huge benefits they offer, premium pricing does not justify the use of some of these technologies for routine processes.' Thus, while huge opportunities exist in the thermal cycler markets, it becomes the prime responsibility of manufacturers to address the issue of pricing and convince end users to invest in thermal cyclers.
In addition to the above, maintaining temperature consistency within the cycler during the process of PCR is a major challenge, as heating and cooling reactions should occur in proper synchronisation. Even a slight variation in temperature can lead to erroneous results. Moreover, as the processes require an abundance of skilled labour to handle the sophisticated instruments, laboratories will need to ensure that their employees are well trained in operating the instrument. In addition, all laboratories employing PCR should maintain stringent laboratory conditions, which are essential for better results.
|
|
|
|
