The field of analytic separations is composed of both established and novel technologies. Both types continue to evolve as limitations are addressed and standards grow even more rigorous. Researchers in university and industrial laboratories continue to explore, develop, and improve processes and technologies. The market is driven primarily by biotech/health care, security, and environmental monitoring. Improvements in quality control, instrument design, and software are having a positive impact on the industry.

Analytic separation is an industry in flux due to the seemingly constant emergence of newly introduced instruments and methods. The industry is comprised of a diverse group of technologies, which are all used to perform some sort of analytic-scale separation; often these technologies may not have much else in common. Used separately or in combination with one another, the analytic separation methods create a multibillion dollar U.S. market.

This report examines techniques used for analytic separations and analyzes the markets by both technology and application. Analytic separations have never been more commonplace; the technologies presented in this report are being used in applications as diverse as air-pollution monitoring and biotechnology. Processing samples in the microscale and nanoscale ranges are the next challenge, with concentrations at the micromole and femtomole level.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report contains:

• Examination of analytical separation technology categories including biosensors, chromatography, electrophoresis, microarrays and spectroscopy
• A process description for each technique as well as discussion of appropriate uses
• Market analysis, forecasts, and growth rates for the 2005?2010 timeframe by applications and technology
• Examination of the industry?s structure
• Profiles of key organizations involved in the supply of analytic separation systems.

METHODOLOGY

The background research for this report consisted of a thorough analysis of trade, government, and company publications, as well as information contained in Business Communication Co.'s (BCC's) vast database. Interviews with industry representatives, trade associations, and government officials followed the background work. The comments of these people, combined with BCC experience and analysis, provided the basis for the content of this report. The major sources of information are noted throughout the report. The tables reflect forecasts for individual markets and are based on information provided by multiple industry sources, and are followed by reasoned and expert BCC analysis.

BCC CREDENTIALS

Kieran Lindsey served as the editor of Analytic Separations News and other BCC, Inc. publications, has worked on many assignments dealing with the supply of technologically advanced materials to industry. The author is familiar with many of the important issues influencing analytic separations systems.