Capillary electrophoresis driving innovation in genetic and infectious disease testing

April 9, 2025

The global capillary electrophoresis market was valued at approximately USD 367.2 million in 2024 and is projected to grow steadily over the coming decade, reaching USD 633.1 million by 2034. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

Market expansion is being fueled by the increasing incidence of infectious diseases, broader use of capillary electrophoresis in pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, and the rising demand for advanced tools in genetic and molecular research. Additionally, ongoing technological advancements are enhancing the capabilities and applications of capillary electrophoresis, making it an essential technique in both academic and industrial settings.

Capillary electrophoresis (CE), a powerful separation technique used for the analysis of biomolecules, is gaining traction across multiple disciplines. Its high resolution, speed, and minimal sample requirements make it particularly well-suited for applications in drug development, quality control, and genomics. As pharmaceutical and biotech companies continue to invest in precision medicine and biologics, the role of CE in characterizing proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules is becoming increasingly vital.

One of the primary drivers of market growth is the growing burden of infectious diseases, which has created a pressing need for rapid and accurate diagnostic tools. Capillary electrophoresis systems are being employed in the detection and analysis of pathogens, helping to improve diagnostic efficiency and disease surveillance, particularly in outbreak scenarios.

In parallel, the rise of genetic and molecular research is contributing to the broader adoption of CE technologies. From analyzing DNA fragments to identifying genetic mutations, capillary electrophoresis plays a crucial role in genomics and proteomics research. As global interest in personalized healthcare intensifies, demand for precise analytical techniques like CE is expected to grow.

Technological innovation is also propelling the market forward. Recent advancements in detection sensitivity, automation, and miniaturization are making CE systems more accessible and versatile. These developments are enabling researchers and laboratories to perform complex analyses with greater speed and accuracy, while reducing the risk of human error and reagent waste.

Despite the market's promising outlook, several challenges could impede growth. High initial investment costs and ongoing maintenance requirements can be prohibitive, particularly for smaller laboratories and research institutions. Moreover, the availability of skilled professionals capable of operating and interpreting results from advanced CE systems remains limited in several emerging markets.

Nevertheless, the global capillary electrophoresis market is poised for continued expansion as demand for high-precision analytical techniques rises across the life sciences sector. Strategic investments in training, infrastructure, and R&D—alongside collaborations between industry players, academic institutions, and regulatory bodies—will be key to overcoming current limitations and unlocking the full potential of capillary electrophoresis in modern healthcare and research.

GMI has the article