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The global microplates market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the increasing adoption of high-throughput screening (HTS) in drug discovery, rising demand for automated laboratory solutions, and advancements in biotechnology and life sciences research. Microplates, which serve as a critical component in laboratory automation, are widely utilized in applications such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and cell culture studies. The expanding pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, coupled with the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, are further fueling the demand for microplates in research and diagnostic applications. Additionally, government initiatives supporting biomedical research and advancements in material technologies, such as the development of more durable and transparent polymers, are contributing to the market’s expansion.

Between 2024 and 2032, the microplates market is expected to grow from USD 875.50 million in 2023 to USD 1,301.08 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 4.50%. The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to witness the fastest growth, driven by increasing investments in healthcare infrastructure, the expansion of research facilities, and the rising prevalence of infectious diseases. North America and Europe will continue to dominate due to their well-established pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, strong funding for R&D activities, and the presence of major market players. However, challenges such as high initial investment costs for automated microplate systems and the availability of alternative lab technologies may slightly hinder market growth. Nevertheless, ongoing technological innovations and the rising trend of personalized medicine are expected to provide lucrative opportunities for market expansion.

Key growth determinants
Rising adoption of high-throughput screening (hts) in drug discovery
The increasing use of high-throughput screening (HTS) in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research is a significant driver of the microplates market. Microplates play a crucial role in accelerating drug discovery by enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple samples, improving efficiency, and reducing research timelines. As pharmaceutical companies invest heavily in R&D for new drug development, the demand for high-quality microplates is expected to rise.

Growing demand for automated laboratory solutions
The shift towards automation in laboratories to enhance efficiency and reduce human errors is fueling the adoption of microplates. Automated liquid handling systems, microplate readers, and robotic sample preparation methods have become essential in modern research and diagnostic applications. The demand for standardized, high-precision microplates is increasing as laboratories aim to improve throughput and reproducibility.

Expansion of biotechnology and life sciences research
With rapid advancements in biotechnology and molecular diagnostics, the need for reliable microplates in applications such as ELISA, PCR, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) has surged. The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases and chronic conditions such as cancer has driven research efforts, boosting the demand for high-quality microplates in genomic and proteomic studies.

Advancements in microplate materials and design
Manufacturers are focusing on developing durable, transparent, and chemically resistant microplates to enhance performance in various assays. The introduction of advanced materials such as polypropylene and polystyrene with improved optical and thermal properties is further expanding the usability of microplates in research and diagnostic applications. Additionally, innovations in 3D cell culture microplates are gaining traction in drug development and regenerative medicine.

Increasing government funding and investments in biomedical research
Governments and private organizations are significantly investing in biomedical research and life sciences, contributing to market growth. Funding initiatives supporting cancer research, vaccine development, and personalized medicine are driving the demand for microplates, particularly in academic and research institutions. This trend is expected to continue, particularly in emerging economies investing in healthcare infrastructure and innovation.

Key growth barriers
1. High initial investment and operational costs
One of the primary challenges in the microplates market is the high cost of advanced microplate systems, including automated readers, washers, and high-throughput screening (HTS) platforms. Many research institutions, particularly in developing regions, face budget constraints, limiting their ability to invest in cutting-edge microplate technologies. Additionally, maintenance and operational costs add to the financial burden, slowing adoption rates.

2. Availability of alternative technologies
The emergence of alternative laboratory technologies, such as lab-on-a-chip devices, microfluidic systems, and biochips, poses a significant challenge to the microplates market. These alternatives offer advantages such as lower sample volume requirements, higher sensitivity, and real-time analysis, reducing the reliance on traditional microplate-based assays. The growing preference for miniaturized and point-of-care diagnostic solutions may restrain market expansion.

3. Limited standardization and compatibility issues
Despite advancements in microplate design, lack of standardization across different manufacturers often results in compatibility issues with automated laboratory systems. Differences in well sizes, materials, and coatings can impact assay performance and reproducibility, making it difficult for laboratories to integrate microplates seamlessly into existing workflows. This variability can hinder widespread adoption, particularly in highly regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and clinical diagnostics.

4. Challenges in handling and storage
Microplates require careful handling, storage, and disposal to maintain accuracy and avoid contamination. Factors such as evaporation, cross-contamination, and material degradation can affect experimental outcomes, especially in sensitive applications like cell culture and molecular diagnostics. Laboratories must invest in specialized storage solutions and protocols, increasing operational complexity. Credence Research

Policybazaar’s parent firm PB Fintech Ltd on Tuesday (March 11) said its board has approved an investment of up to ₹696 crore in its wholly owned subsidiary, PB Healthcare Services Private Limited, through the subscription or purchase of equity shares and compulsory convertible preference shares (CCPS) during FY 2025-26.

“An investment for an aggregate amount of up to INR 696,00,00,000 (Indian Rupees Six Hundred Ninety Six Crore only) in PB Healthcare Services Private Limited, its wholly owned subsidiary by way of subscribing or purchasing its Equity Shares or Compulsory Convertible Preference Shares during the financial year 2025-26,” PB Fintech said in a regulatory filing.

The investment, subject to shareholder approval via postal ballot, will be made alongside external investors, including Chairman & CEO Yashish Dahiya, Executive Vice Chairman Alok Bansal, and three Key Managerial Personnel (KMPs).

PB Healthcare, incorporated in January 2025, operates in the healthcare and allied services sector. The investment aims to support the subsidiary’s operational expenses, enhance its brand presence, and fund strategic initiatives.

Following the transaction, PB Fintech will hold up to 33.63% of PB Healthcare’s equity on a fully diluted basis. The acquisition is classified as a related party transaction and will be executed at fair value determined by a Registered Valuer.

In January this year, PB Fintech’s Chairman and Group CEO, Yashish Dahiya, said the company’s health insurance business, which is currently growing four times faster than the industry, is a ‘long-term driver of value for the company’.

Health insurance currently accounts for just over 60% of the company’s net present value (NPV). and slightly more than 30% of the total premium collected.

Shares of PB Fintech Ltd ended at ₹1,462.00, up by ₹36.65, or 2.57%, on the BSE. CNBCTV18

A doctor’s union has said the number of unfilled shifts across London trusts is having a “detrimental impact” on medics who are working “increasingly understaffed and challenging shifts”.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said its investigation found more than 32,000 doctors’ shifts unfilled in hospitals in London over a six-month period last year.

The union has also claimed these shifts are not taken up by doctors as extra work as NHS trusts are “colluding” to keep rates of pay for extra shifts universally low across all hospitals.

A spokesperson for NHS England said on average around 90% of shifts are filled in London’s NHS hospitals.

‘Patients deserve better’
Freedom of Information (FOI) requests by the BMA revealed that across 23 London trusts at least 32,576 shifts have been offered to doctors, but have not been filled.

Co-chair of the BMA North Thames Regional Resident Doctors’ Committee, Dr Shivam Sharma, said the information backs up “what doctors in London already know: we are untenably short staffed”.

He added: “Every single one of those 32,000 unfilled shifts meant overworked doctors were left trying to do the work of multiple medics.

“Patients in London deserve doctors who can give them the time and energy they need.”

Dr Sharma said it is “only common sense that if trusts abandoned the medical rate cap and paid these shifts more competitively, as trusts in other parts of the country can do, we would see fewer rota gaps and better-staffed hospitals”.

An NHS England spokesperson said its “top priority is patient safety, and we work closely with trusts and systems cross the capital to support best practice”.

They said while 90% of shifts are filled in London, there could be “a variety of reasons” why the remaining shifts are not covered.

It did not comment on the BMA’s claim that shifts were being left unfilled because of low pay rates.

Kevin O’Kane, chair of the BMA London regional council, said it is “unacceptable” that doctors in the capital are being asked to work for rates that they have not been able to negotiate.

He said: “When doctors take on extra work and sacrifice their already limited free time they deserve to be paid fairly, and in a way that reflects the increased costs that come from living in London.

“The London medical rate cap is unjust, and we must find a way to ensure doctors are fairly paid for the extra shifts they do.

“This is also in the interests of hospital trusts in the capital and the patients we all serve; by agreeing a London-wide set of rates, we create stability for trust managers and deliver a reliable supply of doctors to provide the care patients need.” BBC

Members of the A.P. Speciality Hospital Association have announced that they will discontinue all cashless services being offered to the people in the network hospitals under the Dr NTR Vaidya Seva from April 7 due to non-payment of dues amounting to ₹3,500 crore by the State government.

Stating that the network hospitals in the State, around 620 in number, are stretched beyond the limit, the members have written a letter to Dr NTR Vaidya Seva CEO P. Ravi Subash pointing out that they are taking the step because there does not seem to be a way out of the situation.

“Despite our best efforts to continue serving the BPL population and support the State government’s healthcare initiatives, the financial strain has made it unsustainable for us to function,” the letter says.

The letter, released to the media on March 8, said the hospitals were struggling to keep the services running, as their monthly operational expenses also had not been paid so far.

In January, Special Chief Secretary M.T. Krishna Babu had announced that the government would release ₹500 crore at the earliest towards clearing a part of the outstanding dues of the network hospitals.

Contrary to the claims, the government did not release more than ₹70 crore in the month of January, association president K. Vijay Kumar said.

“In December last, we were assured that ₹500 crore would be released immediately, but we received ₹400 crore. In January, we received ₹70 crore only,” Dr Vijay Kumar said, adding the government had time and again cited financial constraint because of the previous government as the reason.

“But now, we are in no position to continue delivering services to the people. We have heard that as part of the hybrid model, the government is ready to pay around ₹4,000 crore upfront to the private insurance companies. When they have enough funds to pay them, why cannot they spend the amount on network hospitals,” the president questioned.

Moreover, the association members were not invited for a discussion on making the shift to the hybrid model, where insurance companies would become a part.

“The transition to a hybrid model will have an impact on the network hospitals. But none of us are kept in the loop. We got to know about the developments only through the media,” Dr Vijay Kumar said.

Earlier too, in the month of November, the association had announced that it would discontinue the services, but did not go ahead with the decision after the government promised to release funds.

“Now, there is no choice,” the members said, adding that unless the government announced immediate steps to resolve the issue, they would stick to their decision of stopping cashless services under the scheme. The Hindu