Carbon 13 Market Size, Share, By Purity (98%-99% and 99%), Application (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Carbon Dating, Breath Test, and Others), End-Users (Healthcare, Chemicals, Academia and Research Institutions, Environmental Agencies, and Others), and Region - Trends, Analysis, and Forecast till 2035

• The carbon 13 market size is visualized to reach USD 150.2 Billion by 2035.
• The market size accounted for USD 84.9 Billion in 2024.
• Target market is expected to increase at a CAGR of 5.4%.

Carbon 13 (13C) is a natural, stable isotope of carbon with a nucleus containing six protons and seven neutrons. As one of the environmental isotopes, it makes up about 1.1% of all natural carbon on Earth. The carbon 13 market growth is wholly hinged on various reasons, such as increased demand in NMR spectroscopy, advancements in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research, growth in environmental studies, widespread applications in food and agriculture, improved supply chain and manufacturing capabilities, and others.

AI Contribution in Carbon 13:

• AI in Carbon 13 refers to the application of artificial intelligence technology within the context of Carbon 13 analysis, primarily used in the field of chemistry to analyze the structure of organic molecules by examining the specific signals generated by Carbon 13 atoms in a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum. AI can significantly enhance the interpretation and analysis of complex Carbon 13 NMR data, allowing for faster and more accurate identification of compounds.
• Thus, many key players are launching carbon 13 portfolio with integration of AI in many industries such as food, medical, and others.
• For instance, in February 2025, One of Carbon 13's portfolio has launched a ground-breaking recipe app that combines AI and user data to reduce food waste by 70%. The app, named Remy, allows users to see what’s in their kitchens and when it’s going to expire.

Key Drivers of Target Market:

Use of Carbon 13 in Diagnostics may Encourage Market for Expansion

By having patients ingest a carbon 13 substrate and analysing the exhaled carbon dioxide for isotope ratios, clinicians can accurately diagnose infection without the need for invasive procedures. Consequently, this test offers a patient-friendly, cost-effective, and highly reliable diagnostic tool for timely disease management.

• For instance, in December 2024, through a coordinated research project, the IAEA has optimized the use and application of the carbon 13 sucrose breath test for assessing nutrient absorption in children. This in turn increases understandings of environmental enteric dysfunction, a disease implicated in stunting, which is a measure of chronic malnutrition.

Restraints:

Low Natural Abundance of Carbon 13 may Limit Market Diversification

The main drawback of Carbon 13 is its low natural abundance, which means that it only makes up a small portion of carbon atoms. Thus, it is more difficult to detect in NMR spectroscopy than the more common Carbon 12, and due to its lower sensitivity to magnetic fields, it requires longer acquisition times.

• Counterbalance Statements: Isotopic enrichment, use of synthetic methods, mass spectrometry and isotope ration analysis, carbon 13 labeling in metabolic studies, mathematical and computational techniques, and others are some strategies to address this issue. 

Opportunities:

Integration of Advanced Technologies may Create Key Opportunities in Upcoming Years

Some of the advanced technologies that utilize Carbon 13 include nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, stable isotope labelling, mass spectroscopy (MS), carbon 13 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), isotope ratio mass spectroscopy (IRMS), and so on. These advanced technologies help unlock the mysteries of molecular biology, environmental science, and chemistry by making use of the unique properties of the Carbon 13 isotope.

• For instance, in October 2021,  The launch of the world’s first net zero mass spectrometer (MS) will make it easier than ever for scientists working across geoscience, food and beverage, environmental science, and forensics to practice science sustainability. In addition to its improved specifications, including an upgrade in software to Qtegra ISDS to dramatically improve ease-of-use and laboratory productivity, the system’s carbon footprint will be neutralized, allowing scientists to carry out their work, while minimizing their environmental impact.

Purity, application, end-users, and region are segmentation components of the carbon 13 market.

Purity

The market by purity is segmented into 98%-99%, and 99%. The 98%-99% purity level of Carbon 13 holds the largest carbon 13 market share, as it offers a good balance between quality and cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in fields like organic synthesis and materials science where slightly lower purity levels are often sufficient.

Application

According to application, the market is classified into nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), carbon dating, breath test, and others. Among these nuclear magnetic resonance dominates the market due to its widespread use in research and industry.

End-Users

By end-users, the market distributed into healthcare, chemicals, academia and research institutions, environmental agencies, and others. However, academic and research institutions influence market expansion as compared to other end-users due to its extensive uses.

• For instance, in December 2020, Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc. (CIL), the world leader in stable isotope chemistry and the separation of Carbon 13 (13C), recently began a significant capacity optimization of one of the production cascades at the 13C separation facility in Xenia, OH.

Regional

Geographically, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America: North America holds the largest Carbon 13 market share primarily due to its strong regulatory environment pushing for carbon emission reduction, substantial investments in research and development, particularly in the healthcare and chemical sectors, and the presence of advanced research institutions.

• For instance, in June 2024, Heirloom Carbon Technologies, Inc. announced it is moving forward with the first phase of a decarbonization project that combines public and private investment to create two direct air capture (DAC) facilities at the Port of Caddo-Bossier. During the first phase, the company plans to invest USD 475 million to establish its first DAC facility in Louisiana and second in North America.

Asia Pacific: Asia Pacific is considered to be the fastest growing market for Carbon 13 due to a combination of factors including rapid industrialization, a growing emphasis on healthcare advancements, particularly in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, and the rising demand for improved diagnostic and therapeutic technologies in countries, such as China and India.

Carbon 13 Market Report Scope:

Segmentation:

By Purity:

• 98%-99%
• 99%

By Application:

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Carbon Dating
• Breath Test
• Others

By End-Users:

• Healthcare
• Chemicals
• Academia and Research Institutions
• Environmental Agencies
• Others

By Region:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Russia
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Netherlands
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • Israel
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

Companies actives in Carbon 13 Market are China lsotope & Radiation Corporation, MERCK KGAA, Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc., Trace Sciences International, ISOFLEX, and among others. Key players focusing on different organic and inorganic strategies such as acquisition, merger, partnership, agreement, investment, and others. 

List of Key Players in the Market:

• China lsotope & Radiation Corporation
• Merck KGaA
• Cambridge Isotope Laboratories, Inc.
• Trace Sciences International
• ISOFLEX
• MedChemExpress
• BuyIsotope
• Croda International Plc.
• Qmx Laboratories Ltd.
• Isotope JSC

• In May 2024, Carbon13, the Venture Builder for the climate emergency Home, announced new investments in six ventures through its accelerator, the Venture Launchpad. Each venture has received £120,000 Pre-Seed investment. The first Launchpad cohort began 12 months ago, and Carbon13 has now invested in 14 ventures in 12 months through the program. Notable alumni include Natural Building Systems, Pattern Project, Hubl, and Optimize AI.
• In March 2023, EY has announced that it is investing in a collaboration with Carbon13, the venture building programme that supports entrepreneurs in creating new businesses whose primary objectives are to reduce CO2e emissions. Carbon13’s core goal is “to create scalable ventures with the combined potential to reduce CO2e emissions by 400 million tonnes or 1 per cent of global emissions”. Carbon 13 has been set up to help 1,000 entrepreneurs build 200 start-ups, each of which has the potential to reduce emissions by at least 10 million tonnes per annum.

Analyst View:      

Rising demand for NMR spectroscopy, improvements in pharmaceutical and biotechnology research, an increase in environmental studies, extensive use in food and agriculture, and more are some of the factors contributing to the market expansion.

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