Report Predicts Double-Digit Growth for Protein Microarrays

Microarrays are in great demand for studying the workings of proteins, to discover new biomarkers and even new drugs, and for diagnostics. Among the tests useful in protein analysis, microarrays were among the fastest revenue growth category, according to Kalorama Information’s (New York, NY, USA) latest report “Proteomics Markets Research and IVD Applications.”

Protein microarrays are arrays of proteins or peptides immobilized onto a solid surface such as a glass slide, membrane, microtiter plate, or other solid surface. The market for proteomics instruments, reagents, and testing topped USD 5 billion in 2013. Also according to the report, while the entire market will grow at high single-digits, the microarray market within proteomics will grow at 15% revenue growth per year for the next 5 years.

“The proteomics market is expected to continue to grow as researchers continue to work on basic understanding of the human proteome, and as researchers apply these discoveries in fields such as biomarker discovery and validation, drug discovery and development, diagnostics, and personalized medicine,” said Bruce Carlson, publisher of Kalorama Information.

The report identifies three main types of protein microarrays. Analytical microarrays: Analytical protein (or antibody) microarrays use immobilized antibodies to detect proteins in biological samples, often via use of a secondary antibody in principle similar to a sandwich immunoassay. Functional microarrays: With functional protein microarrays purified recombinant proteins are immobilized onto the solid phase. These microarrays can then be used to study enzymatic activity or to identify protein-protein (or peptide), protein-DNA, protein-RNA, protein-phospholipid, protein-drug, or other interactions with the immobilized proteins. They can also be used to detect antibodies in a biological specimen to profile an immune response. Protein lysate microarrays (also called reverse-phase protein microarrays): Complex samples such as lysates from tissues or cells are arrayed onto the solid phase, and then probed with antibodies to a target protein of interest.

Companies have used microarray principles, combined with their own proprietary technologies, to develop a wide range of protein microarrays. Kalorama Information's report features more than 20 firms involved in development and marketing of protein microarrays, detailing products and expected earnings for companies involved in microarrays and other proteomics. The report contains breakouts of the market by type of technology used and application. It profiles companies and surveys partnerships and deals related to proteomics.

Related Links:
Kalorama Information
Proteomics Markets for Research and IVD Applications, report