Security concerns post September 2001 attacks have lead to frenetic activity in nanotechnology for the development of applications for defense needs. Advancements in nanosensors have resulted in the invention of new-generation equipment as well as alternative technologies for detecting anthrax and other dangerous gases. Modern, breathable, and lighter battle fatigues that shield defense personnel from hazardous chemicals and deadly microorganisms are being developed further. Nanotechnology can be leveraged to create more advanced battlefield gear such as lighter helmets and self-repairing tents.

This research examines the World Nanosensors Markets. It provides key market challenges, drivers, and restraints affecting growth, and offers a detailed competitive market analysis. The nanosensors markets discussed in this study include nanogas sensors, nanobio and chemical sensors, other nanosensors (temperature, pressure, and flow), as well as nano-based gas sensors.

Compactness of Nanosensors Aids Cost-effective Manufacturing

Unlike the bulky and expensive traditional sensors, the new-age, miniscule nanosensors can help lower materials cost, weight, and power consumption in manufacturing processes. "Nanofabricated sensors are projected to reduce plant production costs since in most instances, they will be mounted on wireless packages, which eliminate wiring and cabling costs," states the analyst. This will eliminate the need to record serial numbers as well as calibration factors and dates for all the sensors, saving not only labor costs but also reducing the possibility of errors.

Technological improvements in microelectronic technologies, surface science, and signal processing have contributed enormously to the evolution of sensors. Nanosensor companies that provide compact, lightweight, versatile, and self-diagnosing sensors are likely to succeed. Integration of multiple sensing technologies into a single smart chip will greatly drive down manufacturing costs. "The ability to build objects with molecular precision is expected to revolutionize manufacturing, allowing great improvements in material properties and device performance," notes the analyst.

Dynamics in Petrochemical Market Fuel Demand for Nanogas Sensors

Although legislative factors are expected to create the initial demand for nanogas sensors, it is the dynamics within the end-user markets that will either build on that demand or restrict it. Nanosensor manufacturers that deal with petrochemical and similar industries will keep close tabs on the price of oil, as it is a good indicator of the trends in the nanogas sensor market. "An increase in the price of oil typically results in a rise in the number of drilling rigs, which, in turn, will expand demand for nanogas sensors," observes the analyst.

Apart from oilrigs, new commercial building construction is likely to have a significant impact on the growth of nanogas sensors. The sensors are expected to be used for air quality detection in building technologies, environmental monitoring, and at point-of-care in healthcare sector. "Nanochemical/biosensors will also be used in some of these markets but they are more likely to be utilized for homeland security and military applications," remarks the analyst.



Table of contents:

1. Executive Summary
      1. Market Overview
           1. Introduction
           2. Competitive Analysis
      2. Major Research Findings
           1. Total Market
           2. Technology Analysis
           3. Strategic Conclusions

2. World Nanosensors Market Challenges
      1. Market Challenges
           1. Challenges Overview
           2. Challenges
               a. Inability to Interface with Nanoscale Devices Hinders Rapid Market
                   Development
               b. Insufficient Funds Retard Companies' Technology Development
               c. Transition from Research and Development to Product Manufacturing
                   Desiccates Penetration of Small Companies
               d. Early Patented Technologies Impede New Product Penetration
               e. Current Global Economic Turmoil Stalls Research Dollars
               f. Inadequate Level of Awareness Obstructs User Exploration
               g. Problematic Engineering Design Curbs Nanofabricated Sensors' Development
               h. Lack of Collaborative OEM Partnerships Curtails Nanosensors' Commercialization
      2. Frost & Sullivan Awards
           1. Technology Leadership Award
           2. Technology Innovation
           3. Entrepreneurial Company

3. World Nanosensors Market Trends
      1. Market Overview
           1. Market Dynamics and Introduction
           2. Market Engineering Analysis
           3. Market Drivers
               a. High Involvement of Government-Based Agencies and University Research
                   Centers Prods Unit Growth
               b. Sensor Industry's High Fragmentation Creates Potential Entry Opportunities
                   for Nanofabricated Sensors
               c. Legislation Requirements Increase the Use of Nanofabricated Sensors
               d. Homeland Security/Defense Applications Encourage Future Demand of
                   Nanofabricated Sensors
               e. Atomically-Precise Nanosensors Boost Cost-Effective Manufacturing
               f. Environmental Monitoring Applications Empower Nanobiosensors Market
                  Penetration Rate
               g. Dynamics in End-User Markets Fuel Demand for Nanofabricated Gas Sensors
               h. Low Power Consumption Strengthens Nanofabricated Sensors Demand
           4. Market Restraints
               a. Perceived Risk of Nanosensors' Failure Deters Market Penetration
               b. Early Development Stage of Nanofabricated Sensors Retards Rapid
                   Market Penetration
               c. End-User Industries' Conservative Approach to Adopting New Technology
                   Slows Demand
               d. Highly Fragmented Market Impedes Strategic Penetration of Nanofabricated
                   Sensors
           5. Pricing Trends
      2. Technology Assessment
           1. Trends in Technology
           2. Technology Roadmap and Participant Positioning

4. World Nanosensors Market Forecasts
      1. Forecasts
           1. Potential Unit Forecast and Penetration Analysis by Sensor Technology
           2. Potential Unit Forecasts by Geographic Region
           3. Potential Unit Forecasts and Penetration Analysis by End-User Markets
      2. Competitive Market Analysis
           1. Competitive Structure
           2. Market Ranking Analysis
           3. Companies to Watch

5. Appendix
      1. DSD Tables
           1. DSD Table 1
           2. DSD Table 2
           3. DSD Table 3
           4. DSD Table 4
           5. DSD Table 5
           6. DSD Table 6
           7. DSD Table 7
           8. DSD Table 8
           9. DSD Table 9
           10. DSD Table 10


   List Of Figures

Chapter 2

Total Nanosensors Market: Impact of Top Eight Industry Challenges (World), 2004-2010

Chapter 3

Nanosensors Market: Market Drivers Ranked in Order of Impact (World), 2004-2010
Nanosensors Market: Market Restraints Ranked in Order of Impact (World), 2004-2010

Chapter 4

Total Nanosensors Market: Unit Shipment Forecasts (World), 2004-2010
Total Nanogas, Nanochem/bio, and Other Nanosensors Market: Unit Shipment Forecasts (World), 2004-2010
Nanosensors Market: Penetration Rates by Technology (World), 2004-2010
Nanosensors Market: Percent of Units by Geographic Region (World), 2004-2010
Nanosensors Market: Unit Shipment Forecasts by Geographic Region (World), 2004-2010
Nanosensors Market: Percent of Units by End User (World), 2004-2010
Nanosensors Market: Unit Shipment Forecasts by End User (World), 2004-2009
Nanosensors Market: Competitive Structure (World), 2004
Nanosensors Market: Company Market Ranking by Product Life Cycle (World), 2004
Nanosensors Market: Products and/or Technology Offered by Major Market Participants (World), 2004

Chapter 5

Nanosensors Market: Nanotechnology Spending (World), 1997-2002
EPA List of Regulated Chemicals (World), 2001
Summary of Federal Nanotechnology Investment in FY 2002 Budget Request (U.S.), 2000-2002
NSF FY 2002 Request (U.S.), 2001-2002
Breakdown of Spending on the United States National Nanotechnology Initiative (U.S.), 2001-2003
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Spending (Europe), 1997-2000
Government Nanotechnology Spending (Asia Pacific), 2002
Topics of Recent Military R&D for Nanotechnology (U.S.), 1999-2001