DNA Forensics Market Trends

Global DNA Forensics Market Overview

DNA Forensics Market Size was valued at USD 7.45 Billion in 2023. The Global DNA Forensics industry is projected to grow from USD 8.00 Billion in 2024 to USD 14.18 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.43% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) test is used in forensic science to identify criminals with solid biological shreds of evidence. Each person has a unique DNA identity and through DNA forensics, one can identify criminals, diagnose hereditary diseases, practice forensic medicine, investigate malignant processes, and detect infectious pathogens. Genetic material is most commonly recovered from tissues, bones, blood, saliva, hair, teeth, and sperm. The market has been segmented based on source, technique, and method. 

The market is driven by factors that include increasing crime rate across the globe, government initiatives and funds for forensic programs. Additionally, advanced technology in DNA forensics and growing organic and inorganic strategies by key service providers are projected as growth opportunities. However, the high cost of DNA detection techniques and a lack of skilled professionals are hampering the growth of the market.

COVID-19 Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the market owing to the lower number of crimes because of lockdown and social distancing. As well, it has reduced traditional crimes such as robbery, theft, and assault on women and children in 2020 and 2021. Apart from the crime rate decrement, there were high chances of getting infected by the study's biological samples, including body fluids, body swabs, saliva, blood, bone, teeth, and tissue samples. Furthermore, as per the research, there was a 23% decrement in staffing in the DNA forensics science laboratory in 2020, which reduced the forensic laboratory budget and contributed to the slow growth of the market.

DNA Forensics Market Dynamics

Drivers

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  Increasing crime rate across the globe

  
  

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  Rising funding to support the forensic R&D

  
  

Market Opportunities

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  Extensive use and rapid advancement of forensic testing technology 

  
  

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  Rising in partnership and collaborations among service providers

  
  

Market Restraints

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  Accuracy issues due to the low DNA sample

  
  

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  Dearth of skilled forensic experts

  
  

DNA Forensics Market Value Chain Analysis

The global DNA forensics market is estimated to witness the remarkable growth over the forecast period due to major role of several drivers include rising in technological development, increase in the criminal cases, and strong increase in government funding. The value chain analysis for the market comprises five major components, which start with research & product development, followed by the manufacturing of the products, distribution & sales, and ends with post-marketing surveillance.

DNA Forensics Market Segment Insights

DNA Forensics Product Type Insights

• Analyzer & Sequencer

Analyzers and sequencers are automated systems that have the capacity of sequencing DNA or examining fragments in forensic laboratories. These analyzers use sources such as blood, hair, and others for accurate results. It can analyze 96 different lanes on a single gel and has the capacity to analyze 384 sequencing reactions simultaneously.

• Software & Services

The software can acquire and analyze the digital evidence collected from the suspect device and has major benefits, such as being able to solve complex criminal investigations and cold cases. There are many chances that a suspect can delete or hide their evidence from computers, but forensic software can assist in recovering the data. Furthermore, certain services related to DNA forensics are available, including increasing capacity, maintaining control of cases, reducing handling to save time & money, preventing & potentially eliminating backlogs, and processing & solving more cases.

• Consumables

Reagents and kits are used to carry out analysis in optimized multi-component surface chemistry to deliver superior DNA yield from most forensic sample types, including body fluids, stains, and swabs of body fluids. In an automated or manual application, these kits and reagents are designed to increase the overall yield and concentration of DNA recovered from both routine and challenging samples.

DNA Forensics Source Insights

• Hair

The hair samples are the imperative resources that help in the identification of criminals. Different humans have different hair root appearance, color, texture, and shape, and forensic scientists can identify which part of the body this hair has been shed from, as well as the human's race, gender, and age, using a hair sample. This type of evidence is generally used for homicide, sexual, and aggravated assault.

• Blood

Blood plays an important role between the forensic scientist and the investigator during the criminal investigation of violent crimes involving blood traces, which is the strongest way to identify the victim or the suspect. It involves violent crimes as well as other types of criminal events such as traffic accidents or property crimes. Hence, the rising prevalence of criminal cases across the globe fuels segment growth.

• Bones

The bone is another identification source, which is strong evidence because DNA is accumulated in abundance in the calcified matrix which is present in the bones. One of the two techniques generally performed by forensic scientists to identify the victim via bones is fast disaster victim identification (DVI), and the other one is DNA profiling. The DVI works faster and gives more accurate results than profiling could. The victim or suspect can be identified through these techniques within 12 hours, and that is why investigators preferred DVI, which further fosters the bone segment's growth.

• Others

Other sources include semen, saliva, tissue & cells, urine, and feces. They play a major role in identifying DNA, which boosts the overall source segment’s growth.

DNA Forensics Technique Insights

• Next-generation Sequencing

Next generation sequencing (NGS) technology has the capacity to deliver far more insight from forensic DNA with higher resolution as compared to traditional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) methods. It allows examiners to generate data from the human genome and can target short tandem repeats (STR), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), mitochondrial DNA, and X and Y chromosomal markers. NGS technology is important in cases like mass disasters or other events where forensic specimens and samples are compromised and degraded.

• Capillary Electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis is used for separating and detecting STR alleles in forensic DNA laboratories across the globe. It is a fast, sensitive, and reliable detection method that can work under any condition without a break. It is also used for the investigation of post-blast, gunshot, and low levels of explosives. CE has become increasingly popular as being advantageous in requiring a small sample, minimizing the destruction of the document, as well as having the capacity to distinguish between different ink types and colors.

• PCR Amplification

PCR amplification is a type of method that uses a sample without involving DNA extraction, purification, or quantification. This technique allows maximum quantities of DNA to be targeted, minimizing contamination, error, time of process as well as monetary resources. Further, it can provide appropriate results through complex mixtures through increased DNA detection sensitivity.

DNA Forensics Application Insights

• Criminal Casework

Forensic DNA technologies target STR and SNP loci to empower the generation of leads, even in cold cases. The NGS in crime laboratories has the capacity to address hundreds of markers in a single test. Moreover, as per the researchers, CE resolution provides appropriate data for gunshot residue (GSR) casework. PCR amplifies and analyses biological samples to detect crimes such as sexual assault and murder.

• Missing Person Identification

DNA profiling offers significant advantages for identifying missing people using primarily femur bone and buccal swabs. Furthermore, researchers have found that missing person identification can be done appropriately through forensic dentistry that is effective, rapid, and cost-effective.

• Others

Others include paternity and kinship analyses and disaster victim identification (DVI). In paternity and kinship analyses, autosomal STR markers are routinely used to examine the maternal line as well as Y-STRs are used to study the paternal line. DVI involves a variety of data sources along with experts, including anthropology, genetics, odontology, and pathology.

DNA Forensics Regional Insights

The DNA forensics market based on the region has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

North America

The advanced forensic science laboratory, increased funding for DNA forensic R&D, and growing awareness of DNA forensic use in North America are driving the DNA forensics market forward.

The North American region, comprising the US and Canada, held the largest market share in 2021. The factors involved in the North America region supporting the growth of the market are technological advancements in forensic science; increased acceptance of private and public DNA forensic firms; and an accelerated pace of government funding and investments in R&D. Furthermore, the US and Canadian populations accept advanced technology and are well aware of its forensic benefits, which increases the demand for novel products. For instance, in 2018, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that the murder number was 16,214, and this required innovative and advanced equipment in the DNA forensic laboratories. Due to this, the North American market is growing.

Additionally, the growing commercialization of forensic laboratory equipment is another pivotal factor in taking the market to new heights in the region.

Europe

Increasing strategic alliances in order to launch products and technological advancements in Europe are fueling the market across the region.

The European region, which includes Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and the rest of Europe, is expected to have a significant market share in 2021. The region's market growth has been continuously growing owing to the presence of key players, the introduction of new products, and advancements in technology. For instance, in October 2019, Verogen, Inc. (US) partnered with Cellmark Forensic Services (UK) in order to launch the UK's first ISO17025-accredited forensic NGS service. Furthermore, the rising prevalence of homicide cases supports the market growth in the region. For instance, in 2020, as per Eurostat, 3.5% of homicide cases increased, and in 2019, women accounted for 37% of homicide victims. Hence, the increasing strategic alliances and the rising prevalence of homicide cases further boost the market growth in the region.

Asia-Pacific

Growing awareness of DNA forensic new technology and rising R&D expenditure are fostering the market growth of the Asia-Pacific.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to show the highest CAGR during the forecast period. There are several factors driving the market towards growth in the region, such as growing awareness of innovative technology and the pivot of the government to solve pending cases. Moreover, several companies are expanding their DNA forensic technology business to meet the region's high demand for forensic technology. For instance, Berkeley Research Group, LLC (US), launched a forensic technology practice based in Singapore in order to meet the demand of clients related to investigation-focused technology and analytics services in Asia-Pacific. Hence, the launch of such new sites in order to fully fill clients' demand further fuels the region's growth.

Rest of the World

The rising use of advanced forensic technologies and an increasing government focus on crime investigation increase the demand for DNA forensics equipment, further fueling the market growth.

The rest of the world, which includes the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, is expected to grow slower than other regions due to a lack of knowledge of cutting-edge technology, inadequate funding, and investments, making it difficult to afford for the underprivileged class. However, as per the studies, STR markers have not become the most preferred technique used by forensic scientists across the world, though it has been widely used in the rest of the world, which further supports the market. Furthermore, the government's focus on crime scene investigation further requires forensic scientists and equipment to support the region's growth. For instance, in 2018, International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) launched a multi-year law enforcement mission that focuses on forensic services, crime scene investigations, internal investigations, organized crime investigations, and specialized training management. Therefore, government support and increasing utilization of forensics technology are fueling the region’s growth.

DNA Forensics Market Competitive Landscape

The companies are actively participating and strategizing to take the market towards growth. They are significantly investing in R&D activities, developing innovative equipment, and increasing their population to anticipate the growth of the market. In addition, the market players are adopting several strategic initiatives such as new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increasing investments, and partnering with other players to expand their global footprint.

Thermo Fisher Scientific (US) is one of the key market players, founded in 1956. The company specializes in various biotechnology products such as analytical instruments, laboratory equipment, lab services, specialty diagnostics, and others. They possess a diverse product portfolio of instruments and consumables, including centrifuges, automated liquid handling, and pipetting systems. In March 2021, the company collaborated with the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration is to set up the NSFU as a Thermo Fisher Scientific (US) Center of Excellence which focuses on providing training and conducting research in the DNA field.

List of companies covered in this report:

• Thermo Fisher Scientific (US)


• Agilent Technologies (US)


• Mawi DNA Technologies LLC


• Hamilton Company


• QIAGEN NV (Netherlands)


• Illumina, Inc. (US)


• Oxygen Forensics, Inc. (Virginia)


• Genetics Technology (Australia)


• Promega Corporation (US)


• LGC Ltd (UK)

DNA Forensics Market Recent Developments

• In June 2021, QIAGEN N.V. (Netherlands) partnered with Verogen (San Diego), a human identification specialist. The partnership brought exhaustive support and superior tools. It provides top-notch consequences with regard to human identification, which ultimately adds value to the market.


• In September 2020, Oxygen Forensics, Inc. (Virginia) launched a new software product flagged by software company JetEngine Technology Corp. (US), namely Oxygen Forensic Detective v.13.0. This allows investigators to apply AI to the clear images for identification.


• In January 2019, Inqaba Biotec (Nigeria) partnered with the University of the Western Cape (South Africa) and launched UniQ-Typer, a forensic detection kit.


• In September 2018, Mawi DNA Technologies LLC (US) launched iSWAB-Cells, which are designed to collect and stabilise intact cells for up to four weeks at room temperature.


• In February 2018, Hamilton Company (US) launched the ID NIMBUS assay in order to automate post-PCR sample processing with the help of the ForenSeq DNA Signature Prep Kit from Verogen (UK).

DNA Forensics Market Report Overview

The study covers the existing short-term and long-term market effects. It helps decision-makers to draught short-term and long-term business plans by region. The report covers major regions in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The report analyzes market drivers, restraints, opportunities, challenges, porter's five forces, value chain, and impact of COVID-19 on the market.

Study Objectives

• To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth


• To analyze the DNA forensics market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porter's five force analysis, etc.


• To provide historically and forecast revenues of the market segments and sub-segments concerning four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World


• To provide country-level analysis of the market concerning the current market size and future prospective


• To provide country-level analysis of the market for segments by source, technique, and method.


• To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyze their core competencies, and draw a competitive market landscape


• To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers & acquisitions, new product developments, and R&D in the DNA forensics market

DNA Forensics Market Segmentation

DNA Forensics Product Type Outlook

• Analyzers & Sequencer


• Software & Services


• Consumables

DNA Forensics Source Outlook

• Hair


• Blood


• Bones


• Others

DNA Forensics Technique Outlook

• Next-generation Sequencing


• Capillary Electrophoresis


• PCR Amplification

DNA Forensics Application Outlook

• Criminal Casework


• Missing Person Identification


• Others

DNA Forensics Regionl Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • Latin America
  
  
  
  

Intended Audience

• DNA forensic Sales market companies.


• Research organizations and consulting companies.


• Organizations, associations, and alliances related to the DNA Forensic Sales market industry


• Government Regulatory Bodies


• Forensic Laboratories