New 4Degra bioresorbable materials support micro 3D printing

Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF), one of the pioneers in microscale 3D printing systems, and UK-based 3D printing materials company 4D Biomaterials have jointly achieved the capability to print micro-scale geometries using 4Degra bioresorbable materials. This marks the first time a bioresorbable material has been printed using micro 3D printing and the two companies expect it will revolutionize the way implantable medical devices are manufactured in the future.

Aimed at creating biocompatible and bioresorbable micro-scale medical devices, the joint innovation has a variety of 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 innovative projection micro-stereolithography (PµSL) approach with 4D Biomaterials’ 4Degra bioresorbable materials resin inks which together will help to solve design and biocompatibility issues for medical device manufacturers, opening up new opportunities for implantable devices and improving patient care.

BMF has a growing group of customers working to develop new micro-scale medical devices. Its approach is gaining favor within multiple markets as companies look to solve design problems by making components and parts smaller and smaller. “Our customers continue to seek out solutions to miniaturize and now with bioresorbable material options, a whole new range of devices is possible,” said 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 microstructures. We are enabling medical device companies to think about 3D printing micro-resorbable implants for the first time,” said Philip Smith, CEO of 4D Biomaterials. “[…] 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.”