Global 3D Hydrogel Culture Market - 2024-2031

Overview

The global 3D hydrogel culture market reached US$ 1.58 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 4.36 billion by 2031 growing with a CAGR of 13.5% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

3D hydrogel cell culture is an advanced method for cultivating cells within a three-dimensional (3D) hydrogel matrix that simulates the natural extracellular environment. Hydrogels are networks of cross-linked, hydrophilic polymers capable of absorbing significant amounts of water while retaining their structural integrity.

In this technique, cells are embedded within the hydrogel matrix, enabling them to interact with their surroundings in all three dimensions, akin to their behavior in living tissues. This setup offers a more physiologically relevant model than traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures, as it more accurately reflects the intricate interactions between cells and their extracellular matrix (ECM) that occur in vivo.

The hydrogels used for 3D cell culture can be sourced from natural materials such as collagen, fibrin, and alginate, or they can be synthetic, like polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyacrylamide. These hydrogels can be customized to replicate specific tissue characteristics by modifying their composition, stiffness, and porosity. This adaptability is crucial for various applications in research and medicine, including cancer studies, stem cell research, tissue engineering, and drug discovery.

Market Dynamics: Drivers

Technological advancements

The demand for the global 3D hydrogel culture market is driven by multiple factors. One of the primary factors is the technological advancements. Innovations in hydrogel formulations and their applications, particularly with the emergence of products like JellaGel Hydrogel, are playing a pivotal role in the expansion of the 3D hydrogel culture market. JellaGel, made from jellyfish collagen, provides researchers with a novel non-mammalian alternative that meets the growing demand for reliable and consistent materials in cell culture.

Moreover, key players in the industry more focus on R&D activities and product launches that would drive this 3D hydrogel culture market growth. For instance, in June 2024, researchers from the Department of Bioengineering (BE) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) developed an innovative 3D hydrogel culture system that closely replicates the mammalian lung environment.

Also, in June 2023, the launch of a new biocompatible hydrogel resin represents a pivotal moment in the field of bioprinting, marking the beginning of a new era characterized by enhanced capabilities in creating complex, high-resolution bio-structures. This innovative resin facilitates 2-photon polymerization (2PP), a cutting-edge 3D printing technology that allows for the precise fabrication of structures ranging from the micro- to mesoscale.

Restraints

Factors such as high production costs, limited availability of raw materials, and stringent regulatory requirements, are expected to hamper the market.

Segment Analysis

The global 3D hydrogel culture market is segmented based on product, application, end-user, and region.

The scaffold based segment accounted for approximately 52.1% of the global 3D hydrogel culture market share

The scaffold based segment is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period. Scaffold-based 3D hydrogel cell cultures utilize scaffolds to provide essential physical support for cells, enabling them to aggregate, proliferate, and migrate effectively. Traditionally, cells have been cultured on extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in two-dimensional (2D) environments; however, this approach often fails to accurately replicate the complexities of the in vivo environment.

scaffold-based 3D hydrogel cultures allow cells to be embedded within a supportive matrix, which means that the characteristics of the scaffold material can significantly influence cellular behavior. Therefore, it is crucial to select the most appropriate scaffold for your specific application to ensure it aligns well with the requirements of drug screening and development processes.

Moreover, key player's strategies such as partnerships & collaborations, and research activities would drive this segment growth in the 3D hydrogel culture market. For instance, in April 2022, Cell Guidance Systems Ltd, a company specializing in the control, manipulation, and monitoring of cells both in vitro and in vivo, partnered with Manchester BIOGEL, a biotechnology firm focused on designing and manufacturing 3D synthetic peptide hydrogels, to introduce PODS-PeptiGels. This new kit integrates the advantages of two innovative cell culture technologies: synthetic peptide hydrogels (PeptiGels) and a selection of sustained-release growth factors (PODS). The collaboration aims to provide researchers with a reproducible and highly adaptable environment for 3D cell culture, enhancing experimental flexibility and reliability.

Similarly, in a research publication in Frontiers in May 2022, scaffold-based 3D hydrogel cultures, 3D bioprinting, and ECM-based bioinks present promising opportunities for replicating native tissue architectures, but several significant challenges persist. To fully realize the potential of this technology and enable its application in clinical environments, it is crucial to tackle these issues through dedicated research and interdisciplinary collaboration. This approach will help transform healthcare and enhance the quality of life for patients.

Geographical Analysis

North America accounted for approximately 44.6% of the global 3D hydrogel culture market share

North America region is expected to hold the largest market share over the forecast period owing to the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and obesity, which has led to an increased demand for effective treatment solutions. Hydrogel-based products are being increasingly adopted for their therapeutic advantages in addressing these issues, especially in areas like wound care and drug delivery systems.

Moreover, in this region, a major number of key player's presence, well-advanced healthcare infrastructure, strong investment in research and development, favorable regulatory environment, and technological advancements help to propel this 3D hydrogel culture market growth. For instance, in December 2021, Inventia Life Science, an Australian specialist in 3D bioprinting, successfully closed a Series B funding round, raising $25 million (USD).

This funding was led by Blackbird Ventures and supported by long-time investor Skip Capital, bringing the company's total funding to $32 million. With this new capital, Inventia Life Science plans to accelerate the rollout of its flagship product, the RASTRUM 3D bioprinter. A key focus of this expansion will be in the U.S. market, where Inventia sees significant potential. The company estimates that the biomedical research and drug discovery sector in the U.S. is worth over $40 billion, indicating a substantial opportunity for their technology.

Market Segmentation

By Product

• Scaffold Based
  • Hydrogels
  • Polymeric Scaffolds
  • Micropatterned Surface Microplates
  • Nanofiber Based Scaffolds
• Scaffold Free
  • Hanging Drop Microplates
  • Spheroid Microplates with ULA coating
  • Magnetic Levitation
• Bioreactors
• Microfluidic
• Bioprinting

By Application

• Cancer Research
• Stem Cell Research & Tissue Engineering
• Drug Discovery & Toxicology Testing
• Others

By End-User

• Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies
• Academic & Research Institutes
• Hospitals
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • The rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Competitive Landscape

The major global 3D hydrogel culture market players include Corning Incorporated, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Lonza., Merck KGaA, Advanced BioMatrix, 3D Biotek LLC., PromoCell GmbH, Avantor, Inc., MIMETAS, and CN Bio Innovations Ltd, among others.

Key Developments

• In May 2023, AMSBIO announced the launch of MatriMix, an innovative 3D culture substrate designed to advance cell biology and tissue engineering research. This innovative hydrogel is notable for its fully defined components, which include medical-grade collagens, laminin-511 E8 fragments, and hyaluronic acid.
• In July 2022, Dolomite Bio launched new hydrogel-focused reagent kits designed to facilitate the high-throughput encapsulation of cells within hydrogel scaffolds. The two kits, named nadAROSE and nadi3D, specifically cater to researchers working on projects involving both agarose encapsulation and collagen-based hydrogels in the realm of 3D cell culture.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global 3D hydrogel culture market segmentation based on product, application, end-user, and region and understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the 3D hydrogel culture market with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping is available in excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global 3D hydrogel culture market report would provide approximately 62 tables, 56 figures, and 182 pages.

Target Audience 2023

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies