MEMS: Biosensors and Nanosensors By BCC Research

1. MEMS: Biosensors and Nanosensors
BCC Research
Report Highlight

2. STUDY BACKGROUND
This report is an update of an earlier BCC Research report published in 2011. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS),
biochips, and nanosensors (referred to collectively in this report as microsensors) make up one of the fastest-growing
technology areas, with sales of more than $8.5 billion in 2012 that are expected to grow at a compound annual growth
rate (CAGR) of 10.7% between 2013 and 2018.
Microsensors have proven to be a key enabling technology for developments in sectors such as transportation,
telecommunications, and health care, but the range of microsensors’ applications covers nearly every sector. The most
significant advantage of microsensors is their ability to communicate easily with semiconductor chips. Other advantages
include microsensors’ compact size, reduced power consumption, lower cost, and increased reliability. The growth in the
use of microsensors has also led to the creation of supporting industries in areas such as design software, design services,
specialty fabrication equipment, and fabrication facilities.
BCC has surveyed individual segments of the microsensor industry previously—for example, in its recent studies of the
global market for MEMS, automotive sensors, medical device sensors, and environmental sensors. BCC initiated the
present study to bring together these related markets as well as update the findings and conclusions of the earlier
reports.
The range of microsensor products and applications has grown rapidly in the past few years, but it is important to avoid
“hyping” their prospects. Although some types of microsensors (airbag accelerometers, for example) have had great
commercial success, other types (such as most types of nanosensors) have enjoyed less success. Still other technologies
remain at the discovery and developmental stages, and their eventual commercialization will require the commitment of
substantial resources, with long payback periods and substantial financial risk.
To the extent that hype results in exaggerated investor expectation, it can divert investment from microsensor
technologies that have real commercial potential. In the worst case, disappointed expectations can lead to a drying-up of
investment funds, similar to the one that occurred in the dot-com sector after 2000. This report takes a hard look at the
market for microsensors and tries to provide a road map for the technologies and applications that are likely to enjoy the
greatest commercial success in the years through 2018.

3. MEMS: Biosensors and Nanosensors
SCOPE OF REPORT
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 nanoengineered 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 2018.
Global microsensor market trends, 2012–2018.
Microsensor market shares and industry structure.

4. About the Publisher
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BCC Research is a leading information resource producing high-quality market research reports,
newsletters, and conferences. BCC's information products explore major market, economic,
scientific, and technological developments for business leaders in industrial, pharmaceutical, and
high technology organizations. Industry analysis and market forecasts for advanced materials, high-
tech systems and components, nanotechnology and novel processing methods are at the forefront
of the company's expertise. The company publishes daily, monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly
subscription-based newsletters and magazines in such areas as energy, environmental, fuel cells,
and transportation. For more than 35 years, BCC's in-depth market analysis has provided
businesses with the insight needed to make intelligent and strategic business decisions

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