The nanoparticle measurement instrument market size is expected to grow from US$ 7.59 billion in 2023 to US$ 10.93 billion by 2031; it is projected to register a CAGR of 4.7% during 2023-2031.

Higher sensitivity, accuracy, and throughput requirements of nanoparticle measurement and characterization drive advancements in various analytical techniques. Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) has grown in popularity owing to its ability to detect and examine individual nanoparticles in solutions and provide information on their size distribution and concentration. Multi-laser NTA is an advanced patented technology featuring three simultaneously operating lasers with independently adjustable power. Recent developments such as fluorescence NTA improve the ability to analyze fluorescently labeled nanoparticles, which is particularly useful in targeted and tracking studies.

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) aids in the high-resolution topographical imaging of large nanoparticle samples on surfaces. In July 2024, Park Systems, a leading nano-metrology system maker, announced the launch of Park FX200, its newest AFM innovation, which is intended for 200-millimeter (mm) samples. The FX200 is designed to satisfy the requirements of both industrial and research applications as it exhibits notable improvements in the large-sample AFM technology. The development of nanoparticle measurement tools with modern analytical methods results in an upsurge in the use of nanotechnology in several sectors, particularly in medicine. Thus, the introduction of technologically advanced products for nanoparticle measurement drives the growth of the nanoparticle measurement instrument market size.

However, the high cost of instruments hinders the Nanoparticle measurement instrument market growth. Prices for new nanoparticle size analyzers generally range from US$ 20,000 to US$ 150,000, depending on the technology, capabilities, and features of the equipment. Small-scale companies, start-ups, academic research institutes, and other research organizations may be unable to purchase sophisticated nanoparticle measurement instruments due to their prohibitive costs and limited finances. Financial constraints may cause organizations to delay investing in new equipment or enhancing their nanoparticle research capabilities, which would decelerate the sales of these instruments. Moreover, such high-end instruments require maintenance at predefined intervals, which may further add to their cost of operation. Thus, huge costs associated with these sophisticated nanoparticle measurement instruments limit their use to large pharmaceutical companies and well-funded research institutions, thereby hindering the overall market.

Type-Based Insights

Based on type, the nanoparticle measurement instrument market is segmented into x-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, photon correlation spectroscope, nanoparticle surface area monitor, transmission electron microscope, condensation particle counter, differential mobility analyzer, scanning mobility particle sizer, nanoparticle tracking analyzer, aerosol particle mass analyzer, and others. The transmission electron microscope segment held the largest share of the market in 2023. The same segment is expected to account for the highest CAGR from 2023-2031. With the evolution of different techniques for the synthesis of nanomaterials, researchers are persistently looking for more precise instruments for their characterization. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is emerging as the most widely used technique for distinguishing nanoparticles because of their ability to interact with the electrons of the inner shell of an atom. Due to this ability, various companies are developing XRD to measure colloidal nanoparticles. XRD analysis plays an essential role in pharmaceutical drug development processes. The technique aids in improving drug formulation, analyzing excipient compatibility, detecting bioavailability, and enhancing drug stability in different formulations, such as suspensions. As per the insights presented by Malvern Panalytical in 2024, the company has developed techniques to enable its Empyrean X-ray diffraction (XRD) instrument to perform small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis in colloidal liquids and grazing incidence SAXS (GISAXS) on solids, allowing researchers to explore new possibilities without the need for a dedicated SAXS instrument. Thus, the increasing use of the XRD techniques in product development activities bolsters the demand for X-ray diffractometers.

The European Biotechnology Thematic Network Association, Food and Drug Administration, and American Society for Testing and Materials are among the primary and secondary sources referred to while preparing the market report.