Membrane Chromatography Market Size, Share, Growth & Industry Analysis, By Type (Ion Exchange Membrane Chromatography, Affinity Membrane Chromatography & Others), By Operation Mode (Flow-Through and Bind Elute), By End-User, and Regional Analysis, 2024-2031

Membrane Chromatography Market Size

The global Membrane Chromatography Market size was valued at USD 296.4 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 336.0 million in 2024 to USD 865.0 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.46% during the forecast period. The market growth is driven by increasing demand for biopharmaceuticals, advancements in purification technologies, and growing adoption of single-use systems.

These driving factors  enhance efficiency and scalability in bioprocessing, making membrane chromatography a preferred choice for purifying proteins, antibodies, and nucleic acids. Technological innovations and regulatory support further bolster market growth, catering to the rising global need for cost-effective and high-throughput biopharmaceutical production solutions.

In the scope of work, the report includes solutions offered by companies, such as Danaher Corporation, Merck KGaA, Sartorius AG, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., 3M, Donaldson Company, Inc., Restek Corporation, Agilent Technologies, Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Shimadzu Corporation, and others. 

The market is witnessing robust growth fueled by increasing demand for biopharmaceuticals and advancements in purification technologies.

• In September 2022, Tosoh Bioscience GmbH launched the Octave BIO Multi-Column Chromatography (MCC) system, complemented by the SkillPak BIO pre-packed columns. This system facilitates rapid and efficient development of pre-clinical processes, underscoring ongoing innovations in chromatography technology to streamline biopharmaceutical production.

Moreover, with rising R&D investments and expanding applications in drug development, the membrane chromatography market is poised for continued expansion, playing a pivotal role in enabling the production of high-quality biologics to meet global healthcare demands.

Membrane chromatography is a separation technique used in biopharmaceutical manufacturing to purify biomolecules, such as proteins, antibodies, and nucleic acids. Unlike traditional chromatography methods that use resin-based columns, membrane chromatography utilizes membranes with specialized surfaces that facilitate the adsorption and purification of target molecules.

This technology offers advantages, including higher throughput, reduced processing times, and cost-effectiveness, making it a well-suited method for large-scale production and continuous bioprocessing applications. Membrane chromatography plays a critical role in the biopharmaceutical production processes by improving purification efficiency and enabling the rapid development of biologics for therapeutic use.

Analyst’s Review

The rise in strategic business collaboration, leading to new product launches is propelling market growth.

• In June 2022, the acquisition of Purilogics by Donaldson Co. Inc. represented a pivotal milestone in the market. Purilogics, a biotechnology firm renowned for its innovative membrane chromatography solutions, specializes in facilitating the efficient purification of diverse biologics such as mRNA, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and proteins.

This strategic acquisition has enhanced Donaldson's capability to meet the escalating demand for advanced bioprocessing technologies. Recent developments such as new product launches by major players and strategic acquisitions are set to propel market growth.

These initiatives focus on enhancing purification efficiency, scalability, and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of biopharmaceutical production, thereby shaping a competitive landscape that fosters innovation and expands market opportunities in membrane chromatography.

Key players in the membrane chromatography market are making significant investments in research and development to drive innovation and get a competitive edge. In addition, strategic partnerships and collaborations are being established to harness the combined expertise and resources of major players effectively.

These strategies highlight the critical need for substantial R&D investments and strategic alliances among companies operating in the market.

Membrane Chromatography Market Growth Factors

The rising investments in research and development by biopharmaceutical companies is a key factor driving growth of the market. This trend is fueled by the increasing demand for efficient purification technologies to support the production of biopharmaceuticals.

• For instance, data released by the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) in January 2024 shows that approximately 55 new drugs were approved in 2023, representing a nearly 50% rise compared to 2022.

Membrane chromatography continues to offer advantages, such as high throughput, cost-effectiveness, and scalability, compared to traditional methods. Companies are innovating membrane designs and optimizing processes to enhance purification efficiency and reduce production costs.

As biopharmaceuticals expand in complexity and diversity, membrane chromatography will emerge as a crucial solution in enabling faster and more streamlined drug development processes, shaping the growth trajectory of the market.

However, one of the significant challenges witnessed in the membrane chromatography market is the complexity and variability of biopharmaceutical production processes. Biologics, such as monoclonal antibodies and viral vectors, require precise purification methods that can handle diverse and often sensitive biomolecules.

Ensuring consistent performance across different production scales and maintaining high purity standards pose technical challenges, which might impede market growth. However, companies are investing substantially in research and development to advance membrane materials and chromatography systems, enhancing purification efficiency and scalability for diverse biopharmaceutical applications.

By expanding product portfolios through strategic acquisitions and market expansion strategies, key players strengthen their competitive position and effectively navigate complexities in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, which is slated to enhance market growth.

Membrane Chromatography Industry Trends

Technological advancements in membrane chromatography are continually enhancing purification efficiency and scalability in bioprocessing. These advancements focus on improving membrane materials and structures to optimize binding capacities, selectivity, and flow dynamics.

As a result, advanced membrane solutions facilitate higher yields and purity levels while reducing processing times and costs for biopharmaceutical manufacturers. Their scalability supports the seamless transition from laboratory-scale to commercial-scale production, meeting the global demand for biologics efficiently.

Ongoing research and development in membrane design underscore its pivotal role in advancing bioprocessing capabilities, ensuring that high-performance membranes remain essential for delivering quality biopharmaceutical products worldwide.

The surge in research and development (R&D) spending within the biopharmaceutical sector is a key trend in the membrane chromatography market.

• According to 'The Pharmaceutical Industry and Global Health Facts and Figures 2021' by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations, biopharmaceutical R&D spending significantly surpasses that of industries like aerospace, defense, chemicals, and software services.
• According to the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations, global spending on biopharmaceutical research and development is projected to exceed USD 202 billion in 2024.

These substantial investments fuel technological advancements that enhance the efficiency and efficacy of biopharmaceutical production processes. As biopharmaceuticals gain broader acceptance globally, these investments result in the development of novel therapies and expansion of the market.

A notable market trend in membrane chromatography is its increasing application in bioprocessing, particularly for capturing large particles like viruses and viral vectors, and for polishing steps to eliminate DNA, host cell proteins, and viruses. This trend is driven by the surging demand for biopharmaceuticals and heightened regulatory scrutiny on downstream purification cleaning validation.

• In December 2022, Shimadzu's collaboration with the University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany, aimed at advancing clinical laboratory methods through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), highlights the trend towards innovative partnerships. Such collaborations are expected to drive further growth in the market during the forecast period.

Segmentation Analysis

The global market has been segmented based on type, operation, end-user, and geography.

By Type

Based on type, the market has been categorized into ion exchange membrane chromatography, affinity membrane chromatography, and hydrophobic interaction membrane chromatography. The ion exchange membrane chromatography segment led the membrane chromatography market in 2023, reaching a valuation of USD 149.2 million.

The prominence of this segment arises from its wide-ranging applications in antibody polishing and virus purification, leveraging advantages like scalability, robustness, disposable nature, high throughput, rapid processing, reduced buffer consumption, and validation-free environments.

The increasing number of drug approvals further boosts product demand, as ion exchange chromatography plays a crucial role in purifying drugs.

Product launches, such as CD Bioparticles' December 2022 release of chromatography resins with enhanced capabilities, underscore ongoing innovations supporting diverse biopharmaceutical applications. These factors collectively contribute to the anticipated growth of the segment, propelled by expanding applications and continuous technological advancements.

By Operation Mode

Based on operation mode, the market has been divided into flow-through and bind elute. The flow-through segment captured the largest membrane chromatography market share of 61.56% in 2023.

This segment is driving market growth through its ability to enable continuous processing of biopharmaceuticals, offering advantages like high throughput, reduced processing times, and cost-effectiveness compared to batch methods.

The surging adoption of the flow-through operation method is fueled by increasing demand for streamlined bioprocessing and enhanced manufacturing efficiency. Technological advancements in flow-through membrane designs, focusing on improving its binding capacity and selectivity, expand its applicability across various biologics.

Regulatory recognition of its reliability further supports segment growth, as biopharmaceutical manufacturers prioritize efficient production and adherence to stringent regulatory standards.

By End User

Based on end users, the market has been categorized into pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, academic and research institutes, and others. The pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies segment is expected to capture the highest revenue of USD 476.8 million in 2031.

These companies play a critical role in the healthcare sector by focusing on research and development (R&D) investments aimed at new drug discovery and therapeutic advancements. Global expansion strategies to access diverse markets and regulatory compliance measures to ensure product quality and safety is further contirbutin to the segment growth.

Adoption of cutting-edge bioprocessing technologies, such as membrane chromatography, enhances production efficiency and supports the manufacturing of biologics. Competitive dynamics drive continuous innovation and differentiation among firms, shaping the competitive landscape and influencing market trends in the pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals industry.

Membrane Chromatography Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, MEA, and Latin America.

North America membrane chromatography market share stood around 35.76% in 2023 in the global market, with a valuation of USD 106.0 million. The market is currently growing in the region due to the presence of many global pharmaceutical players with their headquarters and research labs established in the U.S.

Demand for these technologies and processes remains high as pharmaceutical research require advanced membrane chromatography solutions. This demand is fueled by growing need for biopharmaceutical and rising R&D expenditures by biopharmaceutical companies in the region.

• According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 15,316 clinical trials involving biopharmaceuticals were registered in the U.S. in 2022. These statistics highlight the region's pivotal role in advancing drug development for diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and diabetes. 

Europe is anticipated to witness significant growth at a CAGR of 14.91% over the forecast period. Many prominent pharmaceutical companies and research institutions in the region are driving demand for advanced membrane chromatography technologies essential for drug development and biopharmaceutical production.

The region's commitment to innovation is evident through substantial investments in research and development, aimed at enhancing biopharmaceutical efficacy and safety.

With a significant number of clinical trials registered annually, Europe remains a key hub for advancing therapies in oncology, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and other chronic conditions, further fueling the adoption of membrane chromatography solutions to support these developments.

Competitive Landscape

The global membrane chromatography market report provides valuable insights with an emphasis on the fragmented nature of the industry. Prominent players are focusing on several key business strategies, such as partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, product innovations, and joint ventures, to expand their product portfolio and increase their market shares across different regions.

Companies are implementing impactful strategies, including expanding services, investing in research and development (R&D), establishing new service delivery centers, and optimizing their service delivery processes, which are likely to create new opportunities for market growth.

List of Key Companies in the Membrane Chromatography Market

• Danaher Corporation
• Merck KGaA
• Sartorius AG
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• 3M
• Donaldson Company, Inc.
• Restek Corporation
• Agilent Technologies
• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc
• Shimadzu Corporation

Key Industry Development

• June 2024 (Collaboration): Ecolab teamed up with Repligen Corporation (RGEN) to introduce DurA Cycle, a new protein A chromatography resin tailored for large-scale biopharmaceutical purification processes. This development underscores a significant advancement in the ongoing collaboration between Purolite and Repligen, reflecting Ecolab's dedication to innovation in bioprocessing.

The global membrane chromatography market has been segmented as below:

By Type

• Ion Exchange Membrane Chromatography
• Affinity Membrane Chromatography
• Hydrophobic Interaction Membrane Chromatography

By Operation Mode

• Flow-Through
• Bind Elute

By End User

• Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Companies
• Contact Research Organizations
• Academic and Research Institutes
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • North Africa
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America