Molecular Weight Marker Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2021 - 2026)

RNA molecular weight markers consist of a mixture of in vitro synthesized chains of defined lengths, for the molecular-weight determination of RNA species. Markers are dissolved in a storage buffer, such as EDTA, and have a shelf life of up to 2 years when stored at -80 °C. The markers are usually stained, to be detectable on gel electrophoresis. The most commonly used dye for markers is ethidium bromide. They are usually used as size standards in northern blotting and RNA gel electrophoresis. The fragments are prepared by in vitro transcription of linearized plasmids, with RNA polymerases in separate reactions. 

Digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled RNA markers are widely used, as they are more stable and can be used multiple times without losing activity. Roche is the key player in the RNA molecular weight marker segment. Moreover, these markers are essential in research and development of new therapies and drugs, which has increased over the years. As a result, the demand for RNA markers is also expected to increase, which will help the market growth.

The North American market is highly driven by the presence of many large research laboratories and biotechnology in the United States. Applications of molecular weight markers, such as gel electrophoresis, PCR, molecular cloning, and sequencing, are very commonly used for the research in biotech companies. 

The increasing number of biotech companies in the United States is expected to drive the molecular weight markers market. Roche has invested in Stratos Genomics, a US-based biotech company, and has entered into a research collaboration to support further development of its unique application of single molecule sequencing of DNA fragments, using protein nanopores. Roche is working with Stratos scientists to support the development of efficient, low-cost sample preparation methods for DNA Xpandomers and improve sequencing performance. Collaborations between biotech companies and academia are increasing in the United States. These factors are driving the molecular weight markers market in the country.