The market for antimicrobial coatings in medical devices is projected to expand significantly, increasing from approximately US$ 1,594.50 million in 2021 to around US$ 3,851.96 million by 2028. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% from 2022 to 2028.
Several factors are propelling this market forward, including the rising utilization of medical implants and the growing incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Additionally, advancements in silver ion coating technology are becoming a prominent trend within the industry.
As the number of medical procedures rises, so does the risk of severe infections caused by superbugs like MRSA, Clostridium difficile, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Implant-associated infections (IAIs) linked to medical implants are responsible for a significant number of fatalities and substantial healthcare costs. A study published in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) in 2020, titled "Implant-Associated Infections: A Review of the Safety of Cardiac Implants," indicated that over 30% of patients with left ventricular assist devices experienced IAIs. The most commonly identified bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (45.4%), while coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CONS) accounted for only 5.2%. Enterobacteriaceae represented 24.6%, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found in 13.7% of cases. Additionally, around 5.2% of patients had IAIs caused by Candida species.
The rising prevalence of osteoarthritis and similar conditions is driving an increase in knee and hip implant procedures. According to data from the CDC, more than 32.5 million adults in the United States are affected by osteoarthritis each year. Furthermore, the American Joint Replacement Registry reported that approximately 2.4 million hip and knee surgeries were conducted in 2021, marking an 18.3% increase from the previous year. Patients with osteosynthetic implants around the hip and knee are at a heightened risk of infections following joint arthroplasty. A 2019 study published in the NLM, titled "Clinically Asymptomatic Patients Show a High Bacterial Colonization Rate of Osteosynthetic Implants Around the Knee but Not the Hip," found that staphylococci were the predominant agents responsible for periprosthetic joint infections. Consequently, the implementation of antimicrobial coating technology is seen as a highly effective strategy for enhancing infection control in healthcare environments. A diverse range of coating technologies and antimicrobial agents is available for medical devices and surgical implants, ensuring effective surface disinfection.
Moreover, the increasing frequency of medical implant procedures is closely linked to infection rates. For example, The Center for Orthopedic and Neurosurgical Care & Research projects that by 2030, the annual number of knee replacement surgeries will reach 3.5 million. Additionally, it is estimated that half of all American adults will develop knee osteoarthritis in at least one knee during their lifetime.
Global Antimicrobial Coatings for Medical Devices Market: Segmental Overview
The global market for antimicrobial coatings in medical devices is categorized by coating type into antibacterial coatings, antiviral coatings, and others. In 2021, antibacterial coatings held the largest market share and are expected to exhibit the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2028.
In terms of device type, the market is divided into catheters, implantable devices, surgical instruments, and other devices. The catheter segment dominated the market in 2021 and is anticipated to experience the highest growth rate during the forecast period.
When considering materials, the market is split into metallic and non-metallic coatings. The metallic coatings segment includes copper, silver, and other metallic coatings, while non-metallic coatings comprise polymeric, organic, and other non-metallic options. The metallic coatings segment held a larger market share in 2021 and is projected to grow at a faster rate in the coming years.
In terms of application, the market is segmented into catheters, implantable devices, surgical instruments, and other devices. The cardiovascular segment was the largest market share holder in 2021 and is expected to maintain the highest growth rate during the forecast period.
By end user, the market is categorized into hospitals & clinics, diagnostic centers, ambulatory surgical centers, and others. The hospitals & clinics segment accounted for the largest market share in 2021 and is expected to show the highest CAGR in the forecast period.
Global Antimicrobial Coatings for Medical Devices Market: Geographical Overview
In 2021, North America led the antimicrobial coatings market for medical devices. The United States is a key player, primarily due to the rising incidence of HAIs and the demand for antimicrobial coatings on medical devices. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, 1 in every 25 hospitalized patients in the US is affected by HAIs. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that HAIs result in approximately 1.7 million infections and 99,000 deaths annually in North American hospitals.
Additionally, companies in the market are employing both organic and inorganic strategies for growth, including product launches. For example, on November 15, 2021, Dow introduced the solvent-free SYL-OFF SL 184 Coating, an energy-efficient alternative that reduces misting during high-speed production of product labels. This fast-curing silicone coating maintains performance across various existing label coating equipment and complies with FDA and BfR XV food contact regulations, making it suitable for food labeling applications.
Future Trends in Antimicrobial Coatings for Medical Devices Market
Numerous medical devices, including surgical instruments, implants, and MRI machines, utilize metal coatings to enhance their beneficial properties. Antimicrobial coatings can be metallic or non-metallic, with metallic coatings like silver and copper being particularly prevalent in the medical field. Silver coatings are recognized for their ability to prevent infections associated with medical devices, making silver one of the most commonly used metals for plating in this industry. Silver plating involves applying a thin layer of silver to a substrate, such as a component of a medical device.
Furthermore, silver possesses properties that inhibit microbial growth, targeting components within bacterial cells to prevent resistance. These antimicrobial characteristics are vital for ensuring the safety of medical devices. For instance, in April 2022, researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute developed a silver-based coating that can be easily applied to devices like catheters and stents, effectively addressing the challenges of using silver in medical applications. Their research received funding from various Canadian health research organizations.
Thus, the rapid advancement of innovative products, particularly silver ion coatings, is anticipated to significantly drive the growth of the antimicrobial coatings market for medical devices in the upcoming years.