MEMS: Biosensors and Nanosensors

Report Highlights

BCC estimates the global market for microsensors at nearly $5.2 billion in 2010, increasing to nearly $5.9 billion in 2011 and $12 billion in 2016, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3% between 2011 and 2016.

Report Scope

The report addresses the global market for microsensors, including the following:

• MEMS: Sensing devices that integrate mechanical elements, sensors, actuators, and electronics on a common silicon substrate, and typically have dimensions in the 1-micron to 100-micron range (1 micron = 1 millionth of a meter).
• Biochips: Silicon chip-based detection devices that integrate a living organism or product derived from living systems (e.g., an enzyme or an antibody) and a transducer to provide an indication, signal, or other form of recognition of the presence of a specific substance in the environment. (Biological detection devices that do not generate an analytical signal, such as pregnancy tests or conventional glucose test strips, do not meet this report’s definition of sensors.)
• Nanosensors: Sensors that are nanoscale or incorporate nano-engineered structures such as nanotubes.

The study format includes the following major elements:

• Executive summary
• Definitions
• Milestones in the development of microsensors
• Current and developmental microsensor technologies and applications
• Microsensor technologies and applications with the greatest commercial potential through 2016
• Global microsensor market trends, 2010–2016
• Microsensor market shares and industry structure

Analyst Credentials

Andrew McWilliams, the author of this report, is a partner in the Boston-based international technology and marketing consulting firm, 43rd Parallel, LLC. Mr. McWilliams is the author of several other BCC reports on sensor technologies and markets, including the previous edition of this report; Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Technology: Current and Future Markets (SMC051C); Biosensors and Bioelectronics (BIO039B); and Nanosensors (NAN035A). Other related studies that Mr. McWilliams has prepared for BCC include Analog and Mixed Signal Devices (SMC065A); Nondestructive Testing (MFG016F); Materials Characterization Instruments (IAS015A); Microelectronic Medical Implants: Products, Technologies and Opportunities (HLC016C); Patient Monitoring (HLC038C); and Smart and Interactive Textiles (AVM050B).