Bioreactors Market - By Product type, By Cell, By Molecule, By Usage, By Material, By Size, By End Use - Global Forecast, 2026 - 2035

Bioreactors Market Size

The global bioreactors market was valued at USD 13.8 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 14.9 billion in 2026 to USD 38.9 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 11.2%, according to the latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc. This steady growth is driven by growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, technological advancements in bioreactors and rising demand for personalized medicines.

The market increased from USD 11.7 billion in 2023 to USD 12.8 billion in 2024. The rapid expansion of the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors is a key driver for the bioreactors market. Over the past two decades, according to Statista, the pharmaceutical industry has witnessed remarkable growth, with global revenues reaching approximately USD 1.7 trillion in 2024. This surge is fueled by increasing investments in drug development, biologics, and personalized medicine, which require advanced bioprocessing solutions. Bioreactors play a critical role in the production of vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and cell-based therapies, all of which are in high demand due to rising incidences of chronic diseases and the growing focus on innovative treatments. Furthermore, the biotechnology industry is expanding rapidly, driven by breakthroughs in genetic engineering, regenerative medicine, and biosimilars. These advancements necessitate scalable and efficient bioreactor systems to support large-scale manufacturing while maintaining product quality and compliance with stringent regulatory standards. As pharmaceutical companies continue to invest in biologics and biopharmaceuticals, the need for cutting-edge bioreactor technologies such as single-use systems and automated platforms will intensify. This trend positions bioreactors as an indispensable component of modern biomanufacturing.
 

The increasing emphasis on orphan drug development is a significant driver for the bioreactors market. Orphan drugs, designed to treat rare diseases, have gained substantial attention from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies due to supportive regulatory frameworks and incentives such as tax credits and market exclusivity. For instance, according to NIH, this trend is evident from the rising presence of orphan drugs in essential medicine lists, which increased from 1.9% (4 out of 208) in 1977 to 14.6% (70 out of 478) in 2021. Such growth reflects the expanding pipeline of rare disease therapies and the prioritization of niche treatment areas. Bioreactors are critical in the production of orphan drugs, particularly biologics and cell-based therapies, which require precise and scalable bioprocessing solutions. Since orphan drugs often involve complex molecules and personalized treatment approaches, advanced bioreactor systems such as single-use and modular designs are increasingly adopted to ensure flexibility, cost-efficiency, and compliance with stringent quality standards. As the global healthcare industry continues to focus on rare diseases, the demand for innovative bioreactor technologies will accelerate, positioning them as an essential component in orphan drug manufacturing.
 

Bioreactors are the systems which can be used for growing cells or organisms such as yeast, animal cells, bacteria, under controlled environmental conditions. They are used in industrial processes to produce pharmaceuticals, vaccines, or monoclonal antibodies among other products. Bioreactors are used broadly for pre-commercial (developmental, pre-clinical and clinical) and commercial production of biological products and are witnessing robust usage owing to expanding healthcare industry.

Bioreactors Market Trends

• The bioreactor market is experiencing rapid growth due to continuous technological innovations that enhance efficiency, scalability, and flexibility in bioprocessing. These advancements are addressing the increasing demand for biologics, vaccines, and cell-based therapies, as well as emerging applications like precision fermentation and sustainable food production. Companies are investing heavily in R&D to develop next-generation bioreactors that meet stringent regulatory and operational requirements.
   
• Key innovations include single-use bioreactors, which reduce contamination risk and lower capital costs, and continuous bioprocessing systems, which improve productivity compared to traditional batch processes. Integration of AI and IoT enables real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automated control, optimizing yields and reducing downtime.
   
• For instance, Eppendorf Group’s BioFlo 120, a versatile bioreactor system designed for microbial and cell culture applications. It offers advanced control features, flexibility for multiple vessel types, and integration with digital monitoring tools, enabling precise process control and scalability. This product illustrates how technological advancements are driving innovation in bioprocessing solutions.
   
• Additionally, microfluidic-based bioreactors and modular designs are making bioprocessing more accessible for decentralized and small-scale operations, supporting personalized medicine and rapid scale-up.
   

Bioreactors Market Analysis

Based on product type, the market is bifurcated into single-use and reusable. The reusable segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 10 billion in 2025.
 

• Reusable bioreactors are widely acknowledged for their cost-efficiency in large-scale manufacturing. Unlike single-use systems that require disposal after every production cycle, reusable bioreactors can be sterilized and utilized repeatedly, delivering substantial long-term savings. This advantage is particularly critical in biopharmaceutical production, where large batch volumes are common.
   
• Moreover, these bioreactors are valued for their durability and ability to operate under diverse conditions, making them ideal for complex, high-yield processes. They also cater to applications requiring specialized materials or configurations that single-use systems cannot accommodate.
   
• For instance, Sartorius provides the BIOSTAT STR reusable bioreactor system, engineered for high-performance in large-scale biologics manufacturing. This system combines durability with advanced control features, enabling efficient and consistent production of complex biologics. Its robust design supports demanding processes, making it a preferred choice for industrial-scale applications.
   
• Collectively, these factors are driving the growth of the reusable bioreactors segment in the market.
   

Based on cell, the bioreactors market is segmented into mammalian cells, bacterial cells, yeast cells, and other cells. The mammalian cells segment dominated the market and was valued at USD 10.3 billion in 2025.
 

• Mammalian cells are widely used in the production of complex biologics such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and recombinant proteins because they closely mimic human cellular processes. This makes them essential for developing safe and effective therapeutic products.
   
• Mammalian cells are highly sensitive to environmental changes, including temperature, pH, oxygen levels, and nutrient supply. Bioreactors provide a controlled environment where these parameters can be precisely regulated, ensuring optimal cell growth and productivity. Advanced monitoring and automation technologies integrated into bioreactors further enhance process consistency and minimize contamination risks, making them indispensable for large-scale biologics manufacturing.
   
• For instance, Merck KGaA’s Mobius Single-Use Bioreactor, designed specifically for mammalian cell culture. It offers flexibility, scalability, and integrated control systems to maintain ideal conditions for sensitive mammalian cells, supporting high-yield production of therapeutic proteins and antibodies.
• Hence, these factors are expected to boost the growth of the segment over the forecast period.
   

Based on molecule, the bioreactors market is segmented into monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, recombinant proteins, stem cells, gene therapy, and other molecules. The vaccines segment held the largest revenue of USD 7 billion in 2025.
 

• Vaccines are biological preparations that stimulate the immune system to protect against infectious diseases. They often require complex processes involving viral particles or recombinant proteins, which are produced using living cells. Bioreactors are essential for vaccine manufacturing because they provide a controlled environment for large-scale cell cultivation, ensuring optimal conditions for temperature, pH, oxygen, and nutrients.
   
• Vaccines segment held the largest revenue share, driven by global immunization programs and the rising need for preventive healthcare. For instance according to WHO, in 2023, total global vaccine volumes reached approximately 7 billion doses (WHO), highlighting the immense scale and demand for efficient production systems.
   
• The vaccines segment will continue to dominate the bioreactor market as global immunization needs grow and new vaccine technologies emerge. With bioreactors ensuring efficiency, scalability, and quality in production, companies investing in advanced bioreactor systems are well-positioned to capitalize on this sustained demand over the forecast period.
   

Based on usage, the bioreactors market is bifurcated into developmental, pre-clinical & clinical, and commercial production. The commercial production segment held the largest revenue of USD 11 billion in 2025.
 

• Commercial production refers to the large-scale manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products intended for market distribution. Unlike developmental or clinical phases, this stage focuses on producing high volumes of approved drugs, vaccines, and biologics to meet global demand. It requires robust, scalable bioreactor systems that ensure consistent quality and compliance with regulatory standards.
   
• The commercial production involves continuous, high-capacity operations. Bioreactors enable efficient large-scale cultivation of cells and microorganisms, ensuring optimal conditions for productivity. Advanced automation and monitoring systems reduce downtime, improve yields, and maintain strict quality control, making bioreactors indispensable for meeting the growing demand for biologics and vaccines worldwide.
   
• For instance, GEA Group’s BIOSTAT STR, a single-use bioreactor system designed for commercial-scale biologics production. It offers flexibility, scalability, and integrated process control, enabling manufacturers to achieve high-volume output while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
• Therefore, commercial production remains the largest revenue-generating segment in the bioreactor market due to its critical role in large-scale biologics manufacturing.
   

Based on size, the bioreactors market is segmented into less than 500L, 501-5,000L, and more than 5,000L. The 501-5,000L segment held the largest revenue of USD 5.6 billion in 2025.
 

• Bioreactors in the 501–5,000L range represent mid-scale systems widely used in commercial production. They provide an ideal balance between scalability and operational efficiency, making them suitable for producing biologics such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and therapeutic proteins. This size range is critical for meeting both clinical trial requirements and initial market release volumes.
   
• The growing demand for flexible production capabilities is a major driver for this segment. Bioreactors in this range allow companies to scale up or down without significant infrastructure changes, reducing costs and time-to-market. Their adaptability supports diverse biopharmaceutical processes, enabling manufacturers to respond quickly to changing market needs and regulatory requirements.
   
• Additionally, these bioreactors are well-suited for producing quantities adequate for clinical trials and initial market release, enabling companies to scale up or down as necessary without substantial infrastructure modifications.
   

Based on material, the bioreactors market is segmented into stainless steel, glass, and single-use. The stainless-steel segment held the largest revenue of USD 4.2 billion in 2025.
 

• Stainless steel bioreactors are durable, robust systems designed for extended use and high-volume production in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Unlike single-use or glass systems, they are built to withstand rigorous cleaning and sterilization processes, such as steam-in-place (SIP) and clean-in-place (CIP), which are essential for maintaining aseptic conditions in large-scale operations.
   
• These bioreactors are ideal for commercial-scale production because they can handle high pressures and temperatures required for certain biochemical reactions and large-scale fermentations.
   
• Their longevity and ability to support continuous operations make them cost-effective over time, driving adoption among manufacturers producing vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and therapeutic proteins at industrial volumes.
   

Based on end use, the bioreactors market is segmented into R&D organizations, biopharma manufacturers, and contract manufacturing organizations. The biopharma manufacturers segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 6 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow at a lucrative CAGR over the forecast period.
 

• Biopharma manufacturers are companies engaged in the large-scale production of biologics, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and therapeutic proteins. As these manufacturers require advanced bioprocessing systems to meet global demand for complex biologic drugs.
   
• The increasing demand for biologics, which require precise and controlled manufacturing processes, is a key driver for this segment. Bioreactors provide the essential environment for cultivating living cells that produce these compounds, ensuring high yield and consistent quality.
   
• Additionally, the rise of personalized medicine and targeted therapies has led biopharma manufacturers to invest in flexible bioreactor systems that can adapt to smaller, specialized production runs.
   
• As a result, biopharma manufacturers will continue to dominate the bioreactor market as demand for biologics and personalized therapies grows. Investments in advanced, adaptable bioreactor systems will be critical for meeting production needs and maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

North America Bioreactors Market

The North America region accounted for 36.7% of the global bioreactors industry in 2025. The market in North America is experiencing robust expansion, driven by the region’s advanced healthcare infrastructure and technological advancements.
 

• The U.S. market was valued at USD 3.7 billion and USD 4 billion in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The market size reached USD 4.7 billion in 2025, growing from USD 4.3 billion in 2024.
   
• The growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry in the U.S. fuels demand for bioreactors, as biologics and advanced therapies require controlled environments for cell cultivation and protein production. Bioreactors enable large-scale, high-quality manufacturing of vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and gene therapies, supporting the industry’s shift toward complex biologics and personalized medicine.
   
• For instance, The U.S. pharmaceutical market plays a pivotal role globally, accounting for 30–40% of the total market, with approximately 45% of global pharmaceutical sales and 22% of global production. This dominance reflects the country’s strong infrastructure, advanced research capabilities, and significant investment in drug development, making it a key driver for bioreactor adoption.
   
• With the U.S. pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry continuing to expand, driven by innovation and global leadership, the demand for advanced bioreactor systems will grow significantly.
   

Europe Bioreactors Market

Europe market accounted for USD 3.7 billion in 2025 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
 

• Europe is increasingly prioritizing orphan drug development, supported by regulatory incentives and rising awareness of rare diseases. While the U.S. leads globally with 87 approved drugs, the EU accounts for 27 approved orphan drugs, highlighting its strong commitment to addressing rare conditions. This focus is reshaping the biopharmaceutical landscape across the region.
   
• Orphan drugs often involve complex biologics and cell-based therapies, requiring highly controlled and precise manufacturing processes. Bioreactors provide the ideal environment for cultivating sensitive cells and ensuring consistent quality in smaller, specialized batches. Their flexibility and scalability make them essential for meeting the unique requirements of orphan drug production, enabling rapid development and commercialization.
   
• As Europe continues to expand its orphan drug portfolio, the demand for advanced bioreactor technologies will grow significantly. Manufacturers investing in adaptable and efficient bioreactor systems will be well-positioned to capitalize on this niche, driving sustained growth in the European bioreactor market.
   

Germany's bioreactors market is projected to experience steady growth between 2026 and 2035.
 

• Germany is a leading hub for biopharmaceutical innovation in Europe, and technological advancements in bioreactor systems are a major driver of market growth. The country’s strong focus on research, coupled with its advanced manufacturing infrastructure, has accelerated the adoption of next-generation bioprocessing technologies to meet rising demand for biologics and cell-based therapies.
   
• Moreover, innovations such as single-use bioreactors, continuous bioprocessing, and integration of digital automation and real-time monitoring are transforming production processes in Germany. These technologies improve operational efficiency, reduce contamination risks, and enable flexible scaling, which is essential for personalized medicine and smaller batch production.
   
• Additionally, smart bioreactors equipped with IoT and AI capabilities allow predictive analytics and process optimization, ensuring compliance with stringent German and EU regulatory standards.
   

Asia Pacific Bioreactors Market

The Asia Pacific region is projected to show a lucrative growth of about 11.7% during the forecast period.
 

• The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing a surge in personalized medicine, driven by advancements in genomics, targeted therapies, and increasing healthcare investments. Personalized medicines are tailored to individual patient profiles, requiring highly specialized and flexible manufacturing processes. This trend is reshaping the biopharmaceutical industry across the region.
   
• Bioreactors play a critical role in producing personalized therapies, such as cell and gene treatments, which demand precise control over environmental conditions and smaller, adaptable production runs. Advanced bioreactor systems enable scalability and flexibility, allowing manufacturers to switch between different processes efficiently. This capability is essential for meeting the growing demand for customized treatments in Asia-Pacific.
   
• As healthcare systems in the region continue to adopt precision therapies, investment in advanced bioreactor technologies will accelerate, ensuring sustained market expansion.
   

Japan bioreactors market is poised to witness lucrative growth between 2026 – 2035.

• Japan is increasingly prioritizing orphan drug development to address rare diseases, supported by regulatory incentives and growing healthcare investments. According to the Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice, Japan approved 22 orphan drugs, compared to 87 in the U.S. and 27 in the EU, highlighting its strong commitment to this niche segment.
   
• Bioreactors provide the ideal environment for cultivating sensitive cells and ensuring consistent quality in smaller, specialized batches. Their flexibility and scalability make them essential for meeting the unique requirements of orphan drug production, enabling rapid development and commercialization.
• As Japan continues to expand its orphan drug portfolio, the demand for advanced bioreactor technologies will grow significantly.
   

Latin America Bioreactors Market

Brazil is experiencing significant growth in the bioreactors industry
 

• Brazil is emerging as a key player in Latin America’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology landscape, driven by government initiatives, rising healthcare investments, and a growing domestic demand for advanced therapies. The country’s strong focus on local drug manufacturing and biopharmaceutical innovation is creating a favorable environment for bioreactor adoption.
   
• The increasing production of biologics, vaccines, and biosimilars in Brazil requires advanced bioprocessing systems to ensure efficiency and quality. Bioreactors provide the controlled conditions necessary for cultivating cells and producing complex biologic compounds at scale. Their ability to support flexible and cost-effective manufacturing processes is critical for meeting Brazil’s growing healthcare needs and reducing dependency on imports.
   
• As Brazil strengthens its pharmaceutical and biotechnology capabilities, the demand for modern bioreactor technologies is rising significantly.
   

Middle East and Africa Bioreactors Market

• Saudi Arabia is witnessing a growing emphasis on personalized medicine, driven by advancements in genomics, precision diagnostics, and government initiatives to modernize healthcare. The country’s Vision 2030 strategy prioritizes innovative treatments tailored to individual patient needs, creating a strong foundation for biopharmaceutical development and advanced manufacturing technologies.
   
• Personalized therapies, such as cell and gene treatments, require highly controlled environments and smaller, flexible production runs. Bioreactors enable these processes by providing precise control over critical parameters like temperature, pH, and oxygen levels, ensuring consistent quality and scalability.
   
• The rising focus on personalized medicine is a key growth driver for Saudi Arabia’s bioreactor market. As healthcare systems adopt precision therapies and invest in advanced biomanufacturing infrastructure, demand for innovative bioreactor solutions will accelerate.
   

Bioreactors Market Share

• The top players in the bioreactors industry include Sartorius AG, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Eppendorf AG, Merck KGaA, and Danaher Corporation, collectively accounting for a 80% of global market share.
   
• Leading companies in the bioreactor market are driving innovation to enhance bioprocessing efficiency and scalability globally. They are investing in advanced single-use bioreactors, continuous bioprocessing systems, and AI-powered process control solutions to optimize cell culture conditions and improve yield. These technologies enable real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automation, reducing production costs and accelerating time-to-market for biologics and advanced therapies.
   
• Through acquisitions and global expansion strategies, these companies are strengthening their position in the bioreactor ecosystem. Partnerships with biopharma manufacturers, contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs), and research institutions are enabling broader access to cutting-edge bioprocessing technologies, particularly in emerging markets. This collaborative approach ensures flexible production capabilities, faster scale-up, and improved continuity of supply for critical biologics.
   
• The focus on automation, digital integration, and regulatory compliance by industry leaders will significantly shape the future of the bioreactor market. Integration of IoT-enabled devices and AI-driven predictive analytics will further enhance operational efficiency, process accuracy, and safety standards, supporting the growing demand for personalized medicine and complex biologics.
   

Bioreactors Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the bioreactors industry include:

• Altrad Group
• BaiLun Biotechnology Co., Ltd
• Bbi-biotech
• Cellexus
• CerCell A/S
• Danaher Corporation
• Donaldson Company, Inc
• Eppendorf Group
• Esco Micro Pte. Ltd.
• GEA Group Aktiengesellschaft
• Getinge AB
• Merck KGaA
• PBS Biotech, Inc.
• Sartorius AG
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
   

· MercK KGaA

Merck KGaA provides a robust range of bioreactor solutions tailored for biopharmaceutical manufacturing, including single-use and stainless-steel systems. The company focuses on process optimization, scalability, and regulatory compliance, supported by advanced analytics and automation. Merck’s commitment to sustainability and digital transformation strengthens its leadership in bioprocessing. Strategic partnerships and global reach enable Merck to deliver integrated solutions that accelerate biologics production and improve operational efficiency.
 

· PBS Biotech

PBS Biotech is a leading innovator in single-use bioreactor technology, focusing on solutions for cell and gene therapy applications. The company emphasizes advanced engineering to deliver efficient mixing and low-shear environments, ensuring optimal cell growth and viability. Its bioreactor systems are designed for scalability, enabling seamless transition from research to commercial manufacturing. PBS Biotech’s commitment to precision, process optimization, and strategic collaborations positions it as a key contributor to next-generation bioprocessing technologies.
 

· Danaher

Danaher, through its subsidiaries Cytiva and Pall, offers a comprehensive suite of bioreactor technologies, from microbioreactors to large-scale single-use systems. The company prioritizes innovation in process control, automation, and scalability to meet the evolving needs of biopharmaceutical manufacturers. Danaher’s strong focus on digital integration and continuous improvement ensures high productivity and quality in bioprocessing. Its global presence and strategic collaborations reinforce its position as a key driver of bioreactor market growth.
 

Bioreactors Industry News

• In December 2022, Merck KGaA, a leading science and technology company, announced the acquisition of Erbi Biosystems, a Massachusetts-based developer of the 2 ml micro-bioreactor platform technology known as "Breez". This acquisition enhanced Merck KGaA 's upstream portfolio in therapeutic proteins by enabling scalable cell-based perfusion bioreactor processes ranging from 2 ml to 2000 L, with rapid lab-scale process development. Additionally, it provided future development opportunities in novel modality applications, including cell therapies
   

The bioreactors market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Billion and from 2022 – 2035 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Single-use (Plastic)
• Reusable

Market, By Cell

• Mammalian cells
• Bacterial cells
• Yeast cells
• Other cells

Market, By Molecule

• Monoclonal antibodies
• Vaccines
• Recombinant proteins
• Stem cells
• Gene therapy
• Other molecules

Market, By Usage

• Developmental, pre-clinical & clinical
• Commercial production

Market, By Material

• Stainless steel
• Glass
• Single-use

Market, By Size

• Less than 500 L
• 501-5,000 L
• More than 5,000 L

Market, By End-use

• R&D organizations
• Biopharma manufacturers
• Contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs)

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE