Solid Phase Extraction Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Rise in forensic analysis & drug abuse detection: Solid phase extraction systems are finding wide applications in drug abuse detection and forensic analysis. The rising cases of drug abuse and other related criminal activities are augmenting the use of SPE in forensic testing. The major factor boosting the use of solid phase extraction in this segment is due to its precision and accuracy. For instance, in June 2024, the United Nations revealed that there are around 300 million drug abusers worldwide. Around 228 million individuals consume cannabis, opioids (30 million), cocaine (23 million), and ecstasy (20 million). Blood, urine, oral fluid, and hair testing through solid phase extraction systems offer effective results, contributing to their high demand. SCIEX, Aurora Biomed, Inc., and DPX Technologies are some of the top producers of solid phase extraction technologies that aid in forensic analysis and drug abuse detection.
• Automation and miniaturization trends: The miniaturization and automation trends are set to significantly drive the solid phase extraction market growth. These advanced SPE systems are gaining widespread adoption in laboratories owing to their consistency, efficiency, and human error mitigation. High-volume labs are prime end users of automated solid phase extraction technologies. To grab these opportunities key market players continuously investing in R&D to introduce advanced solid phase extraction devices and consumables. For instance, in October 2024, Raykol Group (XiaMen) Corp., Ltd. revealed that its SPEVA 08N Automatic Sample Purification-Concentration Apparatus and SPEVA Automated Solid Phase Extraction & Evaporation System coupled with Agilent Technologies’s 1260 Infinity II High-Performance Liquid Chromatograph offer effective results in the determination of Benzo(a)pyrene residues in food. Technologically advanced SPE systems are set to boost the revenues shares of the manufacturers in the coming years.

Challenges

• High cost of advanced SPE systems: Technologically advanced solid phase extraction technologies and consumables are more expensive than conventional techniques. This high product cost acts as a challenge for small-scale laboratories and research institutions running on limited budgets. Thus, budget-conscious end users deter from adopting advanced solid phase extraction solutions, hampering the solid phase extraction (SPE) market growth to some extent.
• Availability of alternatives: The presence of alternative techniques is expected to hinder the growth of the solid phase extraction market. Techniques such as liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), solid phase microextraction (SPME), and supported liquid extraction (SLE) offer competitive advantages such as cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and simplicity. Advancements in these technologies are further expected to hamper the market dominance of solid phase extraction technologies.