BMF and 4D Biomaterials Partner to Bring Bioresorbable Materials to Micro 3D Printing

Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) and UK-based 3D printing materials company 4D Biomaterials announce the capability to print micro-scale geometries using 4Degra bioresorbable materials. 

Aimed at creating biocompatible and bioresorbable micro-scale medical devices, the joint innovation has various applications and opportunities for medical device manufacturers and innovators, ranging from micro-scale rigid orthopedic devices and fixations through to micro-scale soft tissue applications.

The partnership combines BMF's projection micro-stereolithography (PµSL) approach with 4D Biomaterials' 4Degra resin inks, which jointly will help solve design and biocompatibility issues for medical device manufacturers, enabling opportunities for implantable devices and enhancing patient care.

BMF has a growing group of customers working to develop new micro-scale medical devices.

“Our customers continue to seek out solutions to miniaturize and now with bioresorbable material options, a whole new range of devices is possible,” says BMF CEO John Kawola. “Miniaturization in medical device development has been held back by the limitations of traditional manufacturing methods and the materials available. The BMF and 4D Biomaterials partnership is working toward eliminating those barriers.”

“This partnership with BMF represents a huge opportunity when it comes to printing micro-structures. We are enabling medical device companies to think about 3D printing micro-resorbable implants for the first time,” says Philip Smith, CEO of 4D Biomaterials. “The bioresorbable polymers market is estimated to be USD 1.0 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 1.6 billion by 20261 We are already seeing the demand from this market growth as the range of applications continues to widen with the advancements in hardware, software and materials technology.”

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.

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