Materials/​Biomaterials

Flexible Backing Improves Brain-Computer Interface

Engineering researchers have invented an advanced brain-computer interface with a flexible and moldable backing and penetrating microneedles. Adding a flexible backing to this kind of...

Nanomaterial Improves Insulin’s Effects

Researchers have developed a compound consisting of insulin bound to a string of amino acids that includes an antioxidant group. An earlier study in mice suggested this nanomaterial’s...

Micro-CAL Process Prints Fine Features in Glass Microstructures

Researchers have developed a new way to 3D print glass microstructures that is faster and produces objects with higher optical quality, design flexibility, and strength. They...

Product of the Month

3D Printable Biomaterials Evonik, Darmstadt, Germany, is expanding its portfolio of 3D printable biomaterials for medical technology. VESTAKEEP® iC4800 3DF is a new osteoconductive PEEK filament that improves fusion...

Nontoxic, Variable-Stiffness Threads Enable Dexterous Cardiac Catheters

Engineers at EPFL and ETH have developed a variable stiffness catheter made of nontoxic threads that can transition between soft and rigid states during surgery. It may...

Biodegradable Implant Could Help Doctors Monitor Brain Chemistry

A wireless, biodegradable sensor could offer doctors a way to monitor changes in brain chemistry without requiring a second operation to remove the implant, according to an...

Lens Offers Tunable Focus

A metasurface lens has been created that uses a piezoelectric thin film to change focal length when a small voltage is applied. Because it is extremely compact and lightweight, the new lens could be useful for...

Lead-Free Piezoelectric Materials

Gadolinium-doped cerium oxide could be a promising alternative to certain piezoelectric materials. It is lead-free, which means that it could be employed in biocompatible medical applications. Further...

Medical Plastics: Understanding Ultrasonic Welding, Part 1

Plastic consumables for medical applications are often very complex and sophisticated devices. Before these devices can be used by healthcare workers or home care patients, they...

Materials Science Flexibility Is Key to Medical Device Innovation

There’s strong demand for smart, new lifesaving and life-enhancing technologies in the global medical device market. To meet this demand, medical device manufacturers are...

MD&M West Keynote: Biomedical Materials Innovation

The three-legged stool of medical device innovation requires great technical capability, of course, but also a deep understanding of the related medicine (anatomy, pathology, procedural...

Quiet Gears Improve Patient Comfort and Imaging Quality in Medical Equipment

The polymer gear material reduces noise and absorbs shock and vibration.

‘Seeing’ Nonuniformities in 2D Materials May Lead to New Medical Sensors

Detecting nonuniformities in optical properties opens the door to new uses

Researchers Develop Ultrathin Films for Stretchable and Sturdy Bioelectronic Membranes

The highly adaptable materials could lead to new classes of wearable devices.

New Thermofluidic Improves Lab-On-a-Chip Applications

Researchers have succeeded in moving tiny amounts of liquid at will by remotely heating water over a metal film with a laser.

MD&M West Show Preview

From 3D printing and biomaterials to robotics and digital health, MD&M West is the largest medtech expo for suppliers and buyers.

MD&M West Keynote: The Science of Predictive Healthcare

Predictive medicine has its roots in early warning systems and diagnostic early detection. Prognostic devices are a new genre of diagnostic devices that not only detect and diagnose...

Self-Healing Materials Could Be Used to Develop Artificial Hands, Soft Robotics

Low-cost jelly-like materials can sense strain, temperature, and humidity. And unlike earlier self-healing robots, they can also partially repair themselves at...

Inside Story: Rapid Precision Prototyping Program Speeds Medtech Product Development

MDB recently spoke with Anthony Bracale, director of sales and marketing at Hobson & Motzer Inc., a manufacturer of precision metal components.

Product of the Month

Three new low-pressure molding (LPM) materials are designed to seal and protect medical devices from moisture and temperature extremes.

Sustainable Silk Material Ideal for Wearable and Implantable Applications

The material is optically transparent and easily manipulated.

Researchers Develop Soft, Stretchable Thermometer

The self-powered sensor can be integrated into soft robots or smart clothing.

The Journey Toward Intelligent Catheters

The need for innovations like multi-filar cables and multi-channel transmission cables has become more important than ever.

New Products and Services

Metal additive manufacturing, high-performance grease, filters, and more.

Shape-Shifting Materials Offer Infinite Possibilities

Totimorphic structural materials can achieve any shape.

A Colorful, Sustainable Solution for 3D Printing in Healthcare

Brown seaweed, pigments team up for nontoxic and stable gel structures.

First, Do No Harm: Changing Strategies to Prove Your Medical Device Is Safe

Modern evaluation of biocompatibility uses a risk-based approach.

Single-Use Systems: The Future of Biopharmaceutical Processing

See how components suppliers can help therapeutic manufacturers choose the right material for the right application.