Aptamers Market - Size, Share, Industry Trends, and Forecasts (2025-2032)

By Type:

Based on type, the market is categorized into nucleic acid and peptide.

Trends in the Type:

• Development of short-stranded DNA molecules for diagnostic purposes.

The nucleic acid segment accounted for the largest market share in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• The nucleic acid segment is further categorized into DNA, RNA, and XNA.
• Nucleic acid aptamers, composed of DNA or RNA, offer a versatile platform for a wide range of applications due to their unique properties.
• Their ability to bind to specific targets with high affinity and specificity makes them valuable tools in diagnostics, where they detect biomarkers for diseases like cancer or infections.
• In therapeutics, nucleic acid aptamers are designed to inhibit disease-related processes by binding to and neutralizing target molecules.
• They are also used to deliver drugs or other therapeutic agents directly to specific cells or tissues, minimizing side effects.
• For instance, in 2021, Amsbio introduced new aptamers for targeting SARS-CoV-2 proteins. They are important in the development of new kits and assays.
• Thus, these factors are influencing the aptamers market trends at present and in the coming years.

By Application:

Based on application, the market is categorized into biosensors, drug discovery and development, environmental & food testing, and others.

Trends in Application:

• The rise in the trend for the detection of diseases using biosensors is influencing the segment.
• The growing use of aptamers for detecting pollutants is influencing the segment.

The biosensor segment accounted for the largest market share in the year 2024.

• Biosensors segment is dominating the aptamers market trends.
• Aptamers are used in biosensors due to their unique properties that make them ideal for detecting a wide range of targets.
• Their high specificity and affinity for target molecules are comparable to antibodies. This allows for precise and sensitive detection.
• Unlike antibodies, these molecules are smaller, more stable, easier to produce, and readily modified, offering significant advantages in biosensor design and performance.
• In biosensors, these molecules act as the recognition element, binding to the target analyte and triggering a detectable signal. They are used for monitoring.
• For instance, in 2021, the NEC Group developed next-generation biosensors using an aptamer that is produced in large quantities. This measuring device allows for spatial monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 by combining membrane-type surface stress sensors (MSSs) with an aptamer that specifically binds to SARS-CoV-2.
• Thus, based on market analysis, the application of aptamers in biosensors is influencing the market.

The environmental & food testing segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• Aptamers are proving to be incredibly useful in environmental and food testing due to their ability to bind to specific target molecules with high affinity and specificity.
• This makes them ideal for detecting contaminants and pathogens that may be present in very small amounts.
• In environmental testing, aptamers are used to detect pollutants in water, soil, and air.
• For example, they are designed to bind to heavy metals, pesticides, or industrial chemicals, allowing for rapid and sensitive detection of these harmful substances.
• This helps monitor environmental quality and identify potential sources of pollution.
• In food testing, these molecules are used to detect pathogens, toxins, and allergens. For example, they are used to identify bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella in food products, ensuring food safety and preventing outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.
• They are also used to detect allergens like gluten or peanuts, helping to protect consumers with allergies.
• Thus, based on the market analysis, these factors are influencing the aptamers market demand in the coming years.

By End User:

Based on end user, the market is categorized into pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, research laboratories, diagnostic centers, environmental monitoring agencies, and others.

Trends in the End User:

• Aptamers are being explored as therapeutic agents for various conditions, designed to bind to and neutralize disease-causing molecules, such as proteins involved in inflammation or viral replication.
• The rise in the trend for customization for various applications is influencing the use of aptamers.

The pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies segment accounted for the largest aptamers market share of 47.66% in the year 2024.

• The pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies are dominating the market.
• These companies are key end-users for aptamers, leveraging these molecules across various stages of their research, development, and manufacturing processes.
• They are used to identify and characterize novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
• Both biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies are increasingly recognizing the advantages of these molecules over traditional antibodies, including their smaller size, stability, and ease of production.
• The rise in the development of new biotechnology companies enhances the use of these molecules for various research applications.
• For instance, according to the data published by IBEF, states that the surge in biotechnology startups in India, with approximately 1,128 new entrants in 2021 alone, has created a dynamic environment for innovation.
• Thus, as per the market analysis, this development further accelerates the growth and application of aptamers.

The environmental monitoring agencies segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.

• Environmental monitoring agencies are increasingly recognizing the value of aptamers in their efforts to safeguard ecosystems and public health.
• These agencies, responsible for assessing and managing environmental quality, require reliable and efficient tools to detect and monitor various pollutants.
• Aptamers offer a compelling solution due to their ability to bind to specific contaminants with high affinity, even in complex environmental samples.
• For example, these molecules are designed to detect heavy metals, pesticides, industrial chemicals, and emerging contaminants in water, soil, and air.
• This allows agencies to monitor pollution levels, identify sources of contamination, and implement timely interventions to protect the environment and human health.
• Thus, as per the market analysis, these factors are influencing the growth of the segment.