Bioreactors Market - By Product Type (Single-use, Reusable), Cell (Mammalian, Bacterial, Yeast), Molecule (Vaccines, mAbs), Material (Stainless Steel, Glass, Single-use), Size (<500L, 501-5,000L, >5,000L), Usage, End-use – Global Forecast 2024 – 2032

Bioreactors Market Size

Bioreactors Market size was valued at around USD 10.4 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at 11.8% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. A bioreactor is a device or vessel that provides a controlled environment for the cultivation of organisms, such as bacteria, yeast, or animal cells, or for the enzymatic or chemical reactions involving these organisms. Bioreactors are used in various industries, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and food production, to produce products like proteins, vaccines, enzymes, biofuels, and other bio-based materials.
 

The burgeoning demand for biopharmaceuticals worldwide, alongside advancements in bioreactor technology, fuels the market's expansion. Innovations such as single-use bioreactors offer cost-effectiveness and process efficiency, attracting biopharmaceutical manufacturers seeking streamlined production processes. For instance, in October 2021, Waters Corporation and Sartorius AG announced a strategic collaboration aimed at providing bioprocess experts with direct access to high-quality mass spectrometry (MS) data. This initiative was designed to enhance the speed and accuracy of biopharmaceutical process development.
 

The partnership involved the implementation of Waters Corporation's BioAccord LC-MS System as a new bioprocess analyzer, which was connected to Sartorius AG's Ambr multi-parallel bioreactor systems. This integration delivered comprehensive mass spectral information on drug substances, related analytes, and cell culture media. The collaboration significantly accelerated and improved the accuracy of tasks ranging from clone selection to bioprocess optimization.
 

Moreover, the rapid growth of the biotechnology sector, coupled with supportive government policies and stringent regulatory standards, further propels market growth. Thus, the bioreactors market experiences a significant surge stimulated by increased demand, technological advancements, and expanding sectors, positioning it as a critical component in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries' landscape.
 

Bioreactors Market Trends

• The shift towards single-use bioreactors, which offer advantages such as reduced risk of cross-contamination, lower capital investment, and greater flexibility, making them particularly attractive for small-scale and multiproduct manufacturing facilities is expected to significantly boost market growth.
   
• Additionally, advancements in bioreactor technology, such as the integration of automation and real-time monitoring systems, are enhancing process efficiency and product quality.
   
• Furthermore, an escalating demand for biopharmaceuticals, such as monoclonal antibodies, which was valued at USD 186.6 billion in 2022, vaccines, and cell and gene therapies, is a prominent trend. Given the intricate cell culture processes these therapies entail, the market for advanced bioreactors has witnessed a notable upswing.
   

Bioreactors Market Analysis

Based on product type, the market is bifurcated into single-use and reusable. The reusable segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 7.7 billion in 2023.
 

• Reusable bioreactors are recognized for their cost-effectiveness in large-scale production. Unlike single-use bioreactors, which require replacement after each production run, reusable bioreactors can be sterilized and reused, resulting in significant long-term cost savings. This is particularly advantageous in industries such as biopharmaceuticals, where large product batches are necessary.
   
• Additionally, these bioreactors are valued for their robustness and ability to handle a wide range of operational conditions, making them suitable for complex and high-yield processes. They are also beneficial for processes that require specific materials or configurations not available in single-use systems.
   

Based on cell, the bioreactors market is segmented into mammalian cells, bacterial cells, yeast cells, and other cells. The mammalian cells segment dominated the market and was valued at USD 8.3 billion in 2023.

• Mammalian cells exhibit sensitivity to environmental changes, including variations in temperature, pH, oxygen levels, and nutrient supply. Bioreactors provide a controlled environment where these parameters can be meticulously regulated, ensuring optimal cell growth and productivity.
   
• Furthermore, bioreactors facilitate the implementation of advanced monitoring and automation technologies, enhancing process consistency and minimizing the risk of contamination.
   
• Hence, these factors are expected to boost the growth of the segment over the forecast period.
   

Based on molecule, the bioreactors market is segmented into monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, recombinant proteins, stem cells, gene therapy, and other molecules. The vaccines segment held the largest revenue of USD 5.2 billion in 2023.
 

• Bioreactors provide a controlled environment essential for the large-scale cultivation of cells, which are crucial for producing viral particles and recombinant proteins used in vaccines. This controlled setting ensures optimal conditions for cell growth, thereby maximizing yield and quality.
   
• Additionally, bioreactor systems are highly adaptable, accommodating various production processes, including live-attenuated, inactivated, and subunit vaccines.
   

Based on usage, the bioreactors market is bifurcated into developmental, pre-clinical & clinical, and commercial production. The commercial production segment held the largest revenue of USD 8.2 billion in 2023.
 

• The growing demand for biologic therapies, driven by advancements in personalized medicine and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, necessitates efficient and scalable production methods that bioreactors can provide.
   
• Additionally, the trend towards biosimilars, which are highly similar versions of existing biologic drugs, has intensified the need for cost-effective production processes that bioreactors facilitate, particularly through economies of scale.
   

Based on size, the bioreactors market is segmented into less than 500L, 501-5,000L, and more than 5,000L. The 501-5,000L segment held the largest revenue of USD 4.2 billion in 2023.
 

• Bioreactors within the 501-5,000L commercial production range provide a strategic balance between scalability and operational efficiency. The increasing demand for flexible production capabilities, particularly for biologics such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and therapeutic proteins, serves as a primary driver.
   
• These bioreactors are well-suited for producing quantities adequate for clinical trials and initial market release, enabling companies to scale up or down as necessary without substantial infrastructure modifications.
   

Based on material, the bioreactors market is segmented into stainless steel, glass, and single-use. The stainless steel segment held the largest revenue of USD 6.3 billion in 2023.
 

• Stainless steel bioreactors are distinguished by their durability and robustness, rendering them ideal for extended use and high-volume production. Unlike disposable systems, these bioreactors can endure rigorous cleaning and sterilization processes, such as steam-in-place (SIP) and clean-in-place (CIP), which are essential for maintaining stringent aseptic conditions.
   
• Furthermore, stainless steel bioreactors are notable for their capacity to withstand the high pressures and temperatures required for certain biochemical reactions and large-scale fermentations.
   

Based on end-use, the bioreactors market is segmented into R&D organizations, biopharma manufacturers, and contract manufacturing organizations. The biopharma manufacturers segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 4.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a lucrative CAGR over the forecast period.
 

• The increasing demand for biologics, which are complex and require advanced manufacturing processes, serves as a primary driver. Bioreactors provide the essential controlled environment for cultivating living cells that produce these biologic compounds, ensuring high product yield and quality.
   
• Additionally, the growing emphasis on personalized medicine and the development of targeted therapies significantly drives the market. As these therapies often necessitate smaller, specialized production runs, biopharma manufacturers are investing in flexible bioreactor systems that can quickly adapt to different production scales and processes.
   

The North America bioreactors market is forecasted to reach USD 10.9 billion by 2032. The U.S. dominated the North America market with the largest revenue of USD 3.8 billion in 2023.
 

• A primary driver is the significant presence of leading biopharmaceutical companies and research institutions at the forefront of developing innovative therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and cell and gene therapies. This innovation ecosystem generates substantial demand for bioreactors capable of supporting advanced research and large-scale production.
   
• Additionally, the market is driven by a robust regulatory environment, characterized by stringent standards set by agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada.
   

The bioreactors market in UK is expected to experience significant and promising growth of 11.8% from 2024 to 2032.
 

• The UK government’s Industrial Strategy and various funding bodies, such as Innovate UK, provide financial support for research and development in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, including the deployment of advanced bioreactor technologies.
   
• Additionally, the UK’s strategic position as a global hub for clinical trials and its commitment to remaining a key player in the international biopharma market drive the demand for state-of-the-art bioreactor systems that support rapid scale-up and high-quality production.
   

Japan bioreactors market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth and is expected to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2032.
 

• Japan's aging population significantly drives the demand for biologic treatments for age-related conditions like cancer and autoimmune disorders. This demographic shift pressures biopharma manufacturers to enhance production capabilities, leading to increased adoption of advanced bioreactor technologies for high productivity and consistent quality.
   
• Furthermore, Japan's regulatory environment, governed by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), imposes stringent standards. Compliance requires bioreactors with sophisticated monitoring and control systems to manage critical process parameters precisely.
   

The bioreactors market in South Africa is expected to experience significant and promising growth of 10.1% from 2024 to 2032.

• The rising prevalence of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis in South Africa is driving the demand for advanced biotechnological solutions, particularly bioreactors. These systems are crucial for developing and producing effective treatments and vaccines, addressing the diverse needs of the healthcare sector.
   
• Furthermore, government support, through favorable policies and funding, is bolstering the biopharmaceutical industry. This support encourages the adoption of modern bioreactor technologies, which are essential for scalable and efficient production of various biopharmaceuticals, including vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
   

Bioreactors Market Share

The bioreactors sector is competitive in nature, with a mix of major global and smaller to medium-sized companies competing for market share. A pivotal aspect of market strategy involves the continual introduction of innovations such as automation and process control, integrated sensors and analytics, high-density cell cultures, and hybrid bioreactors. Notably, prominent industry players command considerable influence in this dynamic landscape, often driving forward advancements through substantial investments in research and development. Additionally, strategic alliances, acquisitions, and mergers are instrumental in fortifying market positions and expanding global footprint amidst evolving regulatory landscapes.
 

Bioreactors Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the bioreactors industry include:

• Altrad Group
• BaiLun Biotechnology Co., Ltd
• Bbi-biotech
• Cellexus
• CerCell A/S
• Danaher Corporation
• Donaldson Company, Inc
• Eppendorf Group
• Esco Micro Pte. Ltd.
• GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft
• Getinge AB
• Merck KGaA
• PBS Biotech, Inc.
• Sartorius AG
   

Bioreactors Industry News:

• In December 2022, Merck KGaA, a leading science and technology company, announced the acquisition of Erbi Biosystems, a Massachusetts-based developer of the 2 ml micro-bioreactor platform technology known as "Breez". This acquisition enhanced Merck KGaA's upstream portfolio in therapeutic proteins by enabling scalable cell-based perfusion bioreactor processes ranging from 2 ml to 2000 L, with rapid lab-scale process development. Additionally, it provided future development opportunities in novel modality applications, including cell therapies.
   
• In August 2023, Sartorius AG and Repligen Corporation jointly unveiled an innovative bioreactor system. This system seamlessly integrated Repligen Corporation's XCell ATF upstream intensification technology into Sartorius AG's Biostat STR bioreactor. The collaboration aimed to streamline the intensified seed train and N perfusion implementation processes for biopharmaceutical manufacturers. This strategic partnership underscored both companies' shared commitment to advancing the development of cutting-edge therapies and making medicine more accessible through collaborative expertise.
   

The bioreactors market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2018 – 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Single-use (Plastic)
• Reusable

Market, By Cell

• Mammalian cells
• Bacterial cells
• Yeast cells
• Other cells

Market, By Molecule

• Monoclonal antibodies
• Vaccines
• Recombinant proteins
• Stem cells
• Gene therapy
• Other molecules

Market, By Usage

• Developmental, pre-clinical & clinical
• Commercial production

Market, By Material

• Stainless steel
• Glass
• Single-use

Market, By Size

• Less than 500 L
• 501-5,000 L
• More than 5,000 L

Market, By End-use

• R&D organizations
• Biopharma manufacturers
• Contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs)

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Denmark
  • Netherlands
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Singapore
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa 
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa