Mesoporous Silica Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2024-2032)

Mesoporous silica can be defined as a subgroup of silica materials, MCM-41 and MCM-48, that have uniform pore sizes of between 2-50 nm, making them suitable for use in different sectors. These materials include MCM-41 and SBA-15 and possess favorable characteristics that include high surface area, controlled pore size, and chemical stability for catalytic applications, drug delivery systems, adsorbents, and environmental applications. These properties make them ideal for molecular sieving and selective adsorption which improve operation in many conditions. With the increase in studies, synthesis and functionalization of, and applications employing mesoporous silica also broaden, placing the material firmly on the map as a vital ingredient in the newest generation of nanomaterials.

The Mesoporous Silica Market is expected to grow at a steady rate of around 10.2% owing to the expanding product portfolio. For instance, in November 2021, W. R. Grace & Co. announced the unveiling of a new pharmaceutical formulation solution, SYLOID XDP silica, at CPhI Worldwide 2021. SYLOID XDP silica is a patented, pharmaceutical-grade novel carrier that converts liquid, waxy, or oily active ingredients into free-flowing powders. With a specially designed porous structure, this mesoporous synthetic silica-based processing aid absorbs 1 to 1.5 times its weight in liquid and remains a free-flowing, non-dusty material. Moreover, rising product penetration in different application sectors and increasing effective research & development of cancer treatment using mesoporous silica are anticipated to boost the mesoporous silica market.

Based on the product type, the market is segmented into MCM series, SBA series, and others. The SBA series segment held a significant share of the market in the year 2023 owing to its various favorable characteristics including thermal stability and larger pore volume. SBA-15 has been heralded in these and other uses due to its well-defined, readily accessible mesoporous structure: drugs, catalysts, and pollutants alike. The growing utilization of nanotechnology and new materials in end-use sectors including pharmaceutical and energy is enhancing the uptake of SBA material. Furthermore, current and future investigations on the new uses and improving the synthesis process are believed to underpin the SBA segment's continued growth rate within the expanding mesoporous silica market landscape. Thus, the SBA series segment held a significant market share in the year 2023.

Based on the application, the market is segmented into catalysis, drug delivery, environmental protection, and others. The drug delivery segment is expected to experience significant growth in the forecast period, owing to the possibility of the control of their characteristics, high surface area, tunable pore size, and more importantly biocompatibility. More recently, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are frequently employed as drug delivery carriers and with controlled release of therapeutic agents (drug molecules), enhancing therapeutic effectivity and reducing side effects. This development is even more appreciated in cancer therapy applications where drugs encapsulated in MSNs can be triggered from their host matrices in response to stimuli such as changes in pH or temperature that are characteristic of the tumor microenvironment. Higher importance given to customized medicine as well as surging cases of lengthy ailments have also contributed to the development of advanced formulations. Thus, the drug delivery segment is expected to grow at a significant rate in the forecast period among the application.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of mesoporous silica, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in countries such as North America (U.S., Canada, and the Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. North America held the majority share of the market in the year 2023 owing to its growing application in various fields such as catalysis, pharmaceuticals, and environmental fields. Increased levels of research in several fields in the region together with nanotechnology have enhanced the creation and growth of other uses for mesoporous silica materials. Also, increasing concern towards material and energy-efficient processes across different sectors including oil refining and chemical production has contributed to market growth. The main factors having an impact on the mesoporous silica market in North America include high surface area and tunable pore sizes of mesoporous silica, thereby entailing an increase in investment in this sector increasing the market dynamism. Thus, amongst areas, North America held a significant share of the market in the year 2023.

Some of the major players operating in the market include Merck KGaA; American Elements; nanoComposix; Micropore Technologies Limited; Otto Chemie Pvt. Ltd.; MKnano; W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.; Ultrananotech Private Limited; Glantreo; ACS Material.