Nucleic Acid Labeling Market Size and Share
Nucleic Acid Labeling Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence
The nucleic acid labeling market size stood at USD 2.65 billion in 2025 and is on course to reach USD 3.81 billion by 2030, reflecting a 7.57% CAGR. Momentum is shifting from legacy radioactive workflows toward copper-free click-chemistry and other bioorthogonal platforms that mark DNA and RNA without damaging living cells[1]Robert T. Kennedy, “Bioorthogonal Chemistry for Nucleic Acids,” Nature Chemistry, nature.com. Three intertwined forces underpin growth: record public genomics funding such as the United Kingdom’s USD 190 million program in 2024, attomolar-sensitive CRISPR diagnostics that remove upstream amplification steps, and new commercial bio-orthogonal reagents that bypass copper toxicity. Fluorescent labeling remains the workhorse because of safety and automation readiness, yet better shielding and targeting strategies are igniting a radioactive renaissance for next-generation radiopharmaceuticals. Meanwhile, contract research organizations (CROs) expand fastest as drug makers outsource sophisticated labeling tasks to partners with regulatory-grade infrastructure.
- By label type, fluorescent labeling led with 46.54% of the nucleic acid labeling market share in 2024, while radioactive labeling is projected to expand at a 9.54% CAGR through 2030.
- By product, reagents and kits commanded 55.67% share of the nucleic acid labeling market size in 2024; enzymes and polymerases post the highest 9.32% CAGR forecast to 2030.
- By method, direct chemical labeling held 43.67% revenue share in 2024, whereas PCR-based incorporation is growing at 9.65% CAGR to 2030.
- By application, next-generation sequencing captured 28.54% share in 2024, while CRISPR screening and diagnostics register the fastest 10.87% CAGR through 2030.
- By end user, academic institutions retained 34.67% share in 2024; CROs record a leading 10.45% CAGR to 2030.
- By geography, North America controlled 43.45% of the nucleic acid labeling market share in 2024, and Asia-Pacific is advancing at an 8.54% CAGR to 2030.
Global Nucleic Acid Labeling Market Trends and Insights
Drivers Impact Analysis
Driver | % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
Expansion of genomics and proteomics research funding | +1.8% | Global, with concentration in North America & EU | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Increasing adoption of precision medicine and companion diagnostics | +1.5% | North America & EU core, spill-over to APAC | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Rapid growth of next-generation sequencing workflows | +1.2% | Global | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Rising utilization of fluorescent probes in molecular diagnostics | +1.0% | Global | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Emergence of click-chemistry and bio-orthogonal labeling technologies | +0.9% | North America & EU, expanding to APAC | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Integration of CRISPR-based point-of-care diagnostics | +0.8% | Global, with early gains in North America, EU, China | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
Expansion of Genomics and Proteomics Research Funding
Generous public investment fuels an ever-larger experimental footprint. The NIH Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science program is channeling substantial grants into transformative sequencing technologies[2]National Institutes of Health, “Centers of Excellence in Genomic Science,” nih.gov. Parallel efforts such as Human Genome Project II aim to genotype more than 1% of the global population, driving demand for scalable labeling reagents that can handle huge sample volumes while keeping error rates low. Proteomics consortia are pushing multiplexed labeling that distinguishes hundreds of proteins in a single run, raising reagent consumption across academic core facilities. Funding also supports diversity initiatives, meaning reagents must perform consistently across varied ancestries and biosources. In aggregate, better-funded laboratories translate directly into elevated procurement of high-margin labeling kits and enzymes.
Increasing Adoption of Precision Medicine and Companion Diagnostics
Healthcare providers are embedding molecular readouts into routine decision-making. QIAGEN recently broadened its QIAstat-Dx panel to include chronic disease biomarkers, illustrating how multiplex PCR diagnostics rely on robust labeling chemistry for simultaneous detection. Over 30 biopharma partnerships now co-develop companion diagnostics beyond oncology, each demanding standardized, globally accepted labeling workflows. Regulatory agencies push harmonized guidelines, so suppliers able to validate reagents across multiple jurisdictions gain traction. Asia-Pacific uptake is accelerating in step with expanding molecular pathology capacity, creating fresh revenue pools for premium-priced probes. As personalized therapy narrows dosing windows, clinicians need labels that deliver unambiguous signal readouts at very low analyte levels.
Rapid Growth of Next-Generation Sequencing Workflows
Sequencing revenues are projected to leap from USD 14.95 billion in 2024 to USD 106.20 billion by 2034. Library preparation consumes large volumes of labeled adapters, barcode primers, and enzymes, thereby scaling reagent demand almost linearly with data output. Automation is replacing manual pipetting, exemplified by Beckman Coulter’s Biomek Echo One liquid handler that integrates labeling into high-throughput workflows. AI analytics shrink data processing time, but only if upstream labels are applied uniformly to minimize quality control flags. Vendors capable of supplying pre-plated, automation-ready kits are well positioned to capture this spend surge during the forecast horizon.
Rising Utilization of Fluorescent Probes in Molecular Diagnostics
Fluorescent tags are now routine in infectious disease, oncology, and rare genetic testing. Bio-Rad’s newly launched StarBright Red and Violet dye panels improve brightness and spectral separation, enabling 40-colour flow cytometry with fewer compensation artifacts. Advanced probes now rival radioactive sensitivity while eliminating radiation handling protocols, which is pivotal for decentralized test sites. Minimalist benzene- and amino-acid-based probes provide high quantum yield with superior biocompatibility. Better photostability reduces repeat-run costs, reinforcing fluorescent labeling’s status as the default workflow in most clinical laboratories.
Restraints Impact Analysis
Restraints Impact Analysis | (~) % Impact on CAGR Forecast | Geographic Relevance | Impact Timeline |
---|---|---|---|
High cost of advanced labeling reagents and instruments | -1.2% | Global, particularly impacting emerging markets | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Technical complexity and skill gap in low-resource settings | -0.8% | APAC, MEA, Latin America | Long term (≥ 4 years) |
Regulatory restrictions on radioactive labeling methods | -0.6% | Global, with stricter enforcement in EU & North America | Medium term (2-4 years) |
Supply chain vulnerabilities for specialty fluorophores | -0.5% | Global, with acute impact in APAC manufacturing hubs | Short term (≤ 2 years) |
Source: Mordor Intelligence
High Cost of Advanced Labeling Reagents and Instruments
Premium fluorophores and specialized instrumentation can price out smaller laboratories. A high-end automated label-incorporation system exceeds USD 100,000, a steep barrier for facilities without large capital budgets. Global supply disruptions, such as recent technetium-99m shortages, expose reliance on single-source isotopes and drive up pricing for alternative kits. Businesses counter by multisourcing raw materials and launching value-tier products, but margin pressure persists, especially where local currencies depreciate against USD.
Technical Complexity and Skill Gap in Low-Resource Settings
Many advanced kits require cold chains, precise thermal cycling, and trained personnel. Automated extraction systems like HiMedia’s Insta NX Mag24 reduce manual steps but remain expensive for regional hospitals. The United States FDA is phasing out enforcement discretion for laboratory-developed tests, compelling labs worldwide to adopt more stringent quality controls[3]United States FDA, “Regulatory Framework for Laboratory-Developed Tests,” federalregister.gov. Smaller institutions struggle to finance compliance, slowing technology penetration outside major centers. Simplified point-of-care platforms such as Dragonfly are promising yet still early in validation.
Segment Analysis
By Label Type: Fluorescent Dominance Faces Radioactive Renaissance
Fluorescent reagents captured 46.54% of the nucleic acid labeling market in 2024, underscoring their status as the default solution for high-throughput microscopy, flow cytometry, and qPCR workflows. This leadership reflects lower biosafety requirements, streamlined disposal, and tight integration with automated optics systems. Radioactive approaches, although regulated, are climbing at 9.54% CAGR as next-generation radiopharmaceuticals leverage isotopic precision for oncological imaging. Copper-free click-labels and tetrazine ligation now let researchers track nucleic acids inside living cells without photo-bleaching or toxicity.
The segment illustrates convergence. Fluorescent platforms increasingly touch attomolar sensitivity once reserved for isotope tracers, while modern isotopes adopt antibody or aptamer targeting to limit off-target radiation. Bio-Rad’s 32-colour StarBright expansion exemplifies how suppliers tailor brightness and emission spectra to specific cytometers. Conversely, VERAXA Biotech’s pre-targeted Affilin radio conjugates rely on click chemistry to attach isotopes only after antibody binding, lowering background uptake. Such cross-pollination blurs traditional label boundaries and sustains innovation momentum across both subsegments.
Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By Product: Reagents Leadership Challenged by Enzyme Innovation
Reagents and ready-to-use kits represented 55.67% share of the nucleic acid labeling market in 2024 because consumables are replenished with every batch run. Researchers favor all-inclusive boxes that bundle probes, buffers, and controls, cutting qualification time. Yet engineered enzymes and polymerases show the briskest 9.32% CAGR as thermostable, fidelity-enhanced variants incorporate labels during synthesis rather than after amplification.
Value creation is moving upstream. Merck’s Aptegra CHO genetic stability assay combines whole-genome sequencing with streamlined labeling, trimming 66% off biosafety testing time and 43% off costs. Dual-incorporation polymerases allow orthogonal end labeling that surpasses chemical post-synthesis methods in uniformity and yield. Services supplying custom oligos with embedded click-handles fill specialty gaps for spatial transcriptomics or single-cell multiomics where catalog SKUs fall short.
By Method: Chemical Labeling Leads as PCR Integration Accelerates
Direct chemical conjugation retained 43.67% share in 2024 thanks to versatility across DNA, RNA, and oligonucleotides. Random priming and nick translation remain staples for uniform long-fragment labeling. PCR-based incorporation, however, leads growth at 9.65% CAGR as labs merge amplification and label insertion in one closed tube, halving pipetting steps and minimizing contamination.
Workflow efficiency is the core driver. Modified polymerases tolerate bioorthogonal dNTPs, enabling downstream click-addition of fluorophores or isotopes for precise stoichiometry. Robotics-compatible mastermixes further simplify handoff to next-gen sequencing or digital PCR instruments. Meanwhile, strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition widens scope to live-cell and in-vivo studies once deemed impossible with classic chemistries. These advances reinforce a gradual pivot toward hybrid protocols that fuse amplification, chemical reactivity, and bioorthogonal specificity into a single workflow.
By Application: NGS Dominance Challenged by CRISPR Innovation
Next-generation sequencing held 28.54% share in 2024, supported by massive library preparation volumes that consume labeled adapters, indexes, and capture probes. CRISPR diagnostics and screening tools, however, are accelerating at 10.87% CAGR as SHERLOCK, DETECTR, and Cascade systems achieve lab-quality sensitivity without thermocyclers . Label kits optimized for CRISPR enzymes must function in unpurified matrices such as nasal swabs, shifting design priorities toward low-background fluorescence and rapid readouts.
Digital PCR, FISH, and spatial biology remain solid niches. Multiplexed in-situ hybridization relies on bright labels resistant to RNase-rich environments. Microarray activity is flat but persistent due to established infrastructure in large cohort studies. Ultimately, NGS keeps volume leadership, while CRISPR’s speed and instrument independence position it as the disruptive contender likely to reshape end-user mix by the end of the decade.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase
By End User: Academic Institutions Lead as CROs Accelerate
Academic institutes accounted for 34.67% of spending in 2024, reflecting their mandate to pioneer new protocols and their access to grant funding. Flagship initiatives like the NIH genomics centers stockpile every major labeling variant, driving early-stage demand. CROs, however, post the swiftest 10.45% CAGR, fueled by pharma outsourcing of regulatory-grade assays requiring Good Laboratory Practice compliance.
Hospitals and diagnostic laboratories adopt labeling primarily for established assays, such as HPV genotyping or minimal residual disease tracking. As the FDA tightens oversight of laboratory-developed tests, many small facilities may lean on outside expertise, indirectly boosting CRO volumes. Biopharma firms themselves purchase premium kits for companion diagnostic co-development and gene-therapy vector quality control, but much hands-on work migrates to service partners that promise faster turnaround and validated documentation.
Geography Analysis
North America contributed 43.45% of the nucleic acid labeling market size in 2024 on the strength of robust NIH budgets, venture funding, and an FDA framework that clarifies labeling reagent classification. The United States leads with mature sequencing infrastructure, widespread CRISPR diagnostic pilots, and a vibrant biotech supply chain. Canadian centers add depth through specialized stem-cell and epigenetics programs, while Mexico expands biomanufacturing corridors that source labeling consumables regionally.
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing arena at 8.54% CAGR to 2030. China alone set aside USD 1.12 billion for nucleic acid drug development, accelerating reagent uptake across research institutes and CDMOs. Japan’s innovation in heat-stable mRNA storage broadens kit durability, critical for tropical deployment. India’s CRO sector scales rapidly, demanding cost-optimized fluorescent and click reagents. South Korea and Australia contribute high-resolution imaging talent and harmonized IVD regulations that shorten approval timelines.
Europe maintains steady, policy-driven expansion. Germany and the United Kingdom anchor R&D with strong pharmaceutical ecosystems, while France, Italy, and Spain invest in regional manufacturing to mitigate post-Brexit logistics hurdles. Sustainability rules encourage moves away from radioactive workflows toward greener fluorophores and copper-free click chemistries. EU-wide initiatives supporting precision oncology ensure continued progression but with heightened scrutiny on waste management and supply transparency.

Competitive Landscape
The nucleic acid labeling market is moderately consolidated. Thermo Fisher Scientific pursues a USD 40–50 billion acquisition pipeline, most recently buying Solventum’s purification unit to secure upstream raw materials for nucleic-acid-based therapeutics manufacturing. Illumina’s USD 425 million SomaLogic acquisition underscores a pivot toward integrated multiomics that blends proteomic assays with traditional library prep .
Large incumbents defend share via bundled reagent–instrument ecosystems, yet nimble specialists capitalize on click-chemistry and spatial transcriptomics niches. VERAXA Biotech collaborates with Navigo Proteins to co-develop Affilin radio conjugates that improve tumor-to-background ratios. Beckman Coulter partners with Rarity Bioscience to integrate superRCA technology, adding ultra-sensitive mutation detection capabilities to automated liquid handlers. QIAGEN combines QIAstat-Dx with AstraZeneca to embed companion diagnostics into chronic disease management, illustrating a strategy of embedding labeling within treatment workflows.
Competitive intensity rises in point-of-care segments where simplified workflows enable entry of device-first startups. Open-source hardware movements remain nascent but could erode consumables margins if low-cost sequencing gains traction. Conversely, high-complexity radio conjugates and spatial biology assays favor incumbents with GMP isotopic facilities or antibody conjugation lines, preserving higher entry barriers.
Nucleic Acid Labeling Industry Leaders
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GE Healthcare
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Merck KGaA
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PerkinElmer Inc.
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Promega Corporation
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Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Recent Industry Developments
- June 2025: Illumina completed the acquisition of SomaLogic for up to USD 425 million, integrating the SomaScan Proteomics Assay with NGS platforms.
- February 2025: Thermo Fisher Scientific agreed to acquire Solventum’s Purification & Filtration business for USD 4.1 billion, targeting USD 125 million in year-five synergies.
- February 2025: Bio-Rad launched the Vericheck ddPCR Empty-Full Capsid Kit for precise AAV vector QC.
- January 2025: The FDA proposed reclassifying in-situ hybridization tests from class III to class II devices to streamline clearance pathways.
- December 2024: VERAXA Biotech and Navigo Proteins formed a radio conjugate development pact leveraging click-chemistry pre-targeting.
Global Nucleic Acid Labeling Market Report Scope
As per the scope of the report, nucleic acids are complex biomolecules that are responsible for the transfer of genetic information in all living organisms. Nucleic acid labeling is a procedure in which nucleic acids are modified or attached with tags that enable their detection or purification.
By Label Type | Biotin-based | ||
Fluorescent | |||
Radioactive (32P, 35S, etc.) | |||
Other Label Types | |||
By Product | Reagents & Kits | ||
Probes & Primers | |||
Enzymes & Polymerases | |||
Custom Labeling Services | |||
By Method | Direct Chemical Labeling | ||
PCR-based Incorporation | |||
Nick Translation / Random Priming | |||
Click-Chemistry Conjugation | |||
By Application | Microarray & Gene Expression | ||
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) | |||
In-situ Hybridization / FISH | |||
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR/qPCR) | |||
CRISPR Screening & Diagnostics | |||
Other Applications | |||
By End User | Academic & Research Institutes | ||
Hospitals & Clinics | |||
Diagnostic Laboratories | |||
Biopharma & Biotechnology Companies | |||
CROs & Service Providers | |||
Geography | North America | United States | |
Canada | |||
Mexico | |||
Europe | Germany | ||
United Kingdom | |||
France | |||
Italy | |||
Spain | |||
Rest of Europe | |||
Asia-Pacific | China | ||
Japan | |||
India | |||
Australia | |||
South Korea | |||
Rest of Asia-Pacific | |||
Middle East & Africa | GCC | ||
South Africa | |||
Rest of Middle East & Africa | |||
South America | Brazil | ||
Argentina | |||
Rest of South America |
Biotin-based |
Fluorescent |
Radioactive (32P, 35S, etc.) |
Other Label Types |
Reagents & Kits |
Probes & Primers |
Enzymes & Polymerases |
Custom Labeling Services |
Direct Chemical Labeling |
PCR-based Incorporation |
Nick Translation / Random Priming |
Click-Chemistry Conjugation |
Microarray & Gene Expression |
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) |
In-situ Hybridization / FISH |
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR/qPCR) |
CRISPR Screening & Diagnostics |
Other Applications |
Academic & Research Institutes |
Hospitals & Clinics |
Diagnostic Laboratories |
Biopharma & Biotechnology Companies |
CROs & Service Providers |
North America | United States |
Canada | |
Mexico | |
Europe | Germany |
United Kingdom | |
France | |
Italy | |
Spain | |
Rest of Europe | |
Asia-Pacific | China |
Japan | |
India | |
Australia | |
South Korea | |
Rest of Asia-Pacific | |
Middle East & Africa | GCC |
South Africa | |
Rest of Middle East & Africa | |
South America | Brazil |
Argentina | |
Rest of South America |
Key Questions Answered in the Report
What is the current value of the nucleic acid labeling market?
The nucleic acid labeling market size is USD 2.65 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 3.81 billion by 2030.
Which label type leads the market?
Fluorescent reagents dominate with 46.54% share, favored for safety and automation readiness.
Why is the radioactive segment growing despite regulation?
Next-generation radiopharmaceuticals use precise targeting to improve imaging value, pushing radioactive labeling at a 9.54% CAGR through 2030.
Which application segment is expanding fastest?
Asia-Pacific shows the fastest 8.54% CAGR, driven by large-scale investments in China and Japan plus expanding CRO capacity in India.
Which region is expected to deliver the highest growth?
CRISPR-based screening and diagnostics is advancing at 10.87% CAGR as it delivers PCR-level sensitivity without thermal cycling.
How are rising costs influencing adoption?
High reagent and instrument prices remain the chief restraint, prompting multisourcing strategies and development of cost-optimized product tiers.
Page last updated on: June 25, 2025