Top 10 Companies in the Global Nitrocellulose Membrane for Lateral Flow Market (2026): Market Leaders Powering Rapid Diagnostic Innovation

In Business Insights
February 03, 2026


The Global Nitrocellulose Membrane for Lateral Flow Market is was valued at approximately USD 320 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 520 million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of around 7.5% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This significant growth is primarily driven by the rising demand for point-of-care testing (POCT), increased incidence of infectious diseases, the acceleration of at-home diagnostic kits, and the expansion of applications into food safety and environmental monitoring.

The nitrocellulose membrane is the critical component in lateral flow assays (LFAs), acting as the substrate where the biochemical reactions occur to produce a visible result. As the global healthcare and diagnostics landscape continues to emphasize speed, accuracy, and accessibility, the manufacturers of these high-performance membranes are at the forefront of this silent revolution. This blog profiles the Top 10 Companies in the Nitrocellulose Membrane for Lateral Flow Industry—established giants and specialized innovators who are defining the standards for diagnostic performance worldwide.

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Global Nitrocellulose Membrane for Lateral Flow Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔟 1. Merck KGaA (MilliporeSigma)

Headquarters: Darmstadt, Germany
Key Offering: HF, HF135, HF180, Hi-Flow Plus membrane series

Merck, operating through its life science business MilliporeSigma, is a global leader in providing high-quality nitrocellulose membranes for lateral flow diagnostics. Their products are renowned for consistent performance, high protein binding capacity, and robust quality control, making them a preferred choice for leading diagnostic kit manufacturers.

Innovation & Market Initiatives:

  • Development of specialized membranes for high-sensitivity applications like cardiac markers and infectious diseases.

  • Investment in scalable manufacturing to meet the surging global demand for rapid tests.

  • Extensive technical support and validation services for assay developers.


9️⃣ 2. Cytiva (formerly part of GE Healthcare Life Sciences)

Headquarters: Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA
Key Offering: Whatman™ Fusion 5, Standard 17, and FF120HP membranes

Cytiva is a powerhouse in the bioprocessing and diagnostics world, with its Whatman brand of filter papers and membranes being industry standards. Their nitrocellulose membranes are engineered for optimal flow rates and signal clarity, supporting the development of reliable and reproducible lateral flow tests.

Innovation & Market Initiatives:

  • Focus on membranes that enable faster development times for diagnostic assays.

  • Strong global supply chain ensuring availability to diagnostic manufacturers worldwide.


8️⃣ 3. Sartorius AG

Headquarters: Göttingen, Germany
Key Offering: Sartorius CN140, CN95 nitrocellulose membranes

Sartorius offers a range of diagnostic membranes known for their high purity and batch-to-batch consistency. The company’s focus on bioprocess and lab equipment gives it a deep understanding of the quality requirements for sensitive biological assays.

Innovation & Market Initiatives:

  • Provision of both backed and unbacked membrane variants to suit different assembly processes.

  • Commitment to supporting the development of next-generation multiplexed lateral flow assays.

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global Nitrocellulose Membrane for Lateral Flow Market – View in Detailed Research Report


7️⃣ 4. Sartorius AG

Headquarters: Göttingen, Germany
Key Offering: Sartorius CN140, CN95 nitrocellulose membranes

Sartorius offers a range of diagnostic membranes known for their high purity and batch-to-batch consistency. The company’s focus on bioprocess and lab equipment gives it a deep understanding of the quality requirements for sensitive biological assays.

Innovation & Market Initiatives:

  • Provision of both backed and unbacked membrane variants to suit different assembly processes.

  • Commitment to supporting the development of next-generation multiplexed lateral flow assays.


6️⃣ 5. MDI Membrane Technologies

Headquarters: Ambala, Haryana, India
Key Offering: A wide portfolio of backed and unbacked nitrocellulose membranes

MDI Membrane Technologies has emerged as a significant and growing supplier, particularly strong in the Asian market. They provide cost-effective and reliable membrane solutions that cater to a broad spectrum of lateral flow applications, from clinical diagnostics to veterinary testing.

Innovation & Market Initiatives:

  • Focus on expanding production capacity to serve the increasing demand from emerging economies.

  • Offering customizable membrane specifications to meet specific customer requirements.


5️⃣ 6. Axiva Sichem Biotech

Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Key Offering: Nitrocellulose membranes for rapid test kits

Axiva Sichem Biotech is a key Indian player dedicated to manufacturing bio-reagents and components for the in-vitro diagnostics (IVD) industry. Their nitrocellulose membranes are designed for high sensitivity and are used in various rapid test formats.

Innovation & Market Initiatives:

  • Serving a large domestic and international customer base with a focus on affordability.

  • Investment in R&D to improve membrane performance for complex assay designs.


4️⃣ 7. Nupore Filtration Systems

Headquarters: Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Key Offering: Nitrocellulose filtration membranes for diagnostic use

Nupore Filtration Systems is a specialized manufacturer of membrane and filtration products. While serving various industries, their nitrocellulose membranes are engineered to meet the precise capillary flow and protein binding needs of lateral flow assay developers.

Innovation & Market Initiatives:

  • Leveraging expertise in filtration technology to produce membranes with consistent pore structures.

  • Growing presence in the price-sensitive diagnostic markets across Asia and Africa.


3️⃣ 8. Cobetter Filtration

Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Key Offering: Nitrocellulose membranes for lateral flow immunoassays

Cobetter Filtration is a leading Chinese manufacturer of filtration products, including a range of membranes specifically for the diagnostics industry. They are a critical supplier for the vast and rapidly growing Chinese IVD market and international clients.

Innovation & Market Initiatives:

  • Strong vertical integration allows for control over raw materials and cost-effective production.

  • Rapid response to market needs and customization capabilities for high-volume orders.

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global Nitrocellulose Membrane for Lateral Flow Market – View in Detailed Research Report


2️⃣ 9. GVS Group

Headquarters: Bologna, Italy
Key Offering: BIOPLEXUS™ series of nitrocellulose membranes

The GVS Group, though more renowned for its air and liquid filtration, has a dedicated life sciences division that produces high-quality membranes for diagnostics. Their BIOPLEXUS membranes are designed for excellent reproducibility and performance in lateral flow tests.

Innovation & Market Initiatives:

  • Application of advanced polymer science to enhance membrane properties like wicking speed and binding uniformity.

  • Strategic focus on expanding their footprint in the North American and European diagnostic markets.


1️⃣ 10. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

Headquarters: Hercules, California, USA
Key Offering: Nitrocellulose membranes and full LFA development solutions

Bio-Rad is a stalwart in the life sciences research and clinical diagnostics sectors. While known for its broad portfolio, it supplies nitrocellulose membranes that meet rigorous quality standards, often used in research and high-complexity diagnostic applications.

Innovation & Market Initiatives:

  • Integration of membrane supply with other LFA components (conjugates, buffers) for a complete solution.

  • Strong R&D focus on supporting quantitative and fluorescent lateral flow assays.

Get Full Report Here:
Global Nitrocellulose Membrane for Lateral Flow Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🔬 Outlook: The Future of Nitrocellulose Membranes is Smarter and More Sensitive

The nitrocellulose membrane market is evolving beyond a simple porous strip. The future hinges on advanced material science and nanotechnology to create membranes that enable faster, more sensitive, and more quantitative results, moving lateral flow tests from qualitative yes/no answers to precise measurements.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Multiplexing: Development of membranes that support the detection of multiple analytes (e.g., COVID-19 & Flu A/B) on a single test strip.

  • Quantitative Readouts: Innovations in membrane chemistry to work seamlessly with smartphone-based readers for quantitative results.

  • Sustainability: Exploration of more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and materials without compromising performance.

  • Expansion into New Verticals: Growing adoption in non-clinical areas like food pathogen detection, veterinary diagnostics, and environmental toxin monitoring.

Get Full Report Here:
Global Nitrocellulose Membrane for Lateral Flow Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled are not just selling membranes; they are providing the foundational technology that enables decentralized healthcare and instant diagnostics, empowering individuals and professionals alike to make informed decisions faster than ever before.