Automation Gathers Pace in the Western European Liquid Handling Market

The escalating need for high throughput data is accelerating the shift towards automation in the Western European liquid handling market. Government investments in the development of bioclusters, as well as R&D centres for various drug discovery applications, are opening up opportunities for liquid handling companies in the region.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Western European Liquid Handling Market, finds that the market earned revenues of $525 million in 2014 and estimates this to reach $890.7 million in 2021. Manual liquid handing systems discussed in this study include pipettes and consumables such as pipette tips and liquid containers. Automated instruments include all electronic pipettes and automated bench-top instruments.

Since most life science applications require sterile methods of handling liquids, non-contact dispensing is becoming an essential part of research laboratories.

• Researchers are promoting automated technologies such as acoustics and gas drive to eliminate contamination.
• Researchers are also working on super paramagnetic beads and a spatial light modulator for processing a large array of droplets.
• The advent of high-density microplate formats such as 384 and 1536 wells has enabled the screening of more compounds without extra cost for reagents.

“Laboratories prefer automated liquid handling systems, which can significantly reduce working hours for personnel,” said Frost & Sullivan Healthcare Senior Research Analyst Srinivas Sashidhar. “However, market participants must overcome several shortfalls before large scale laboratory automation is possible.”

For instance, the lack of open standards in product development and data transfer affects the compatibility between different components. As integration complexity grows, software compatibility too becomes a challenge. Further, the high price of automation equipment, along with laboratory consolidation across Europe compels laboratories to rethink liquid handling equipment purchases.

“Manufacturers must build automated equipment and accessories that are flexible for use with different liquid handling systems,” suggested Sashidhar. “Collaboration with reagent manufacturers will help create a greater number of validated protocols and widen the scope for expansion in the Western European liquid handling market.”

Western European Liquid Handling Market is part of the Life Sciences Growth Partnership Service programme.