Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF), a microscale 3D printing systems specialist and UK-based 3D printing materials company, 4D Biomaterials has announced the capability to print micro-scale geometries using 4Degra bioresorbable materials. 

This achievement marks the first time a bioresorbable material has been printed using micro 3D printing and aims to revolutionise 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 orthopaedic 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 resin inks which together will help to solve design and biocompatibility issues for medical device manufacturers.

BMF has a growing group of customers working to develop new micro-scale medical devices. Its approach is gaining favour within multiple markets as companies look to solve design problems by making components and parts smaller and smaller.

BMF CEO John Kawola said: “Our customers continue to seek out solutions to miniaturise and now with bioresorbable material options, a whole new range of devices are possible. Miniaturisation 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.”

Philip Smith, CEO of 4D Biomaterials, added: “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. The bioresorbable polymers market is estimated to be $1 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $1.6 billion by 2026. 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.”