Materials & Manufacturing

Multifunctional ANF/Mxene-Enhanced Hydrogels for Flexible EMI Shielding and Wearable Sensing Applications

Researchers from Harbin Institute of Technology and their collaborators have developed a multifunctional polyelectrolyte hydrogel reinforced with aramid nanofibers (ANFs) and MXene nanosheets, achieving outstanding performance in absorption-dominated electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and wearable sensing. Read on to learn more.

Advanced High-Repetition-Rate Lasers Drive Next-Gen Imaging

By overcoming some of the traditional constraints in pulse frequency, energy output, and tuning speed, tunable high-repetition rate OPO lasers will enable researchers to develop next-generation imaging modalities that capture much higher resolution images in a fraction of the time. Read on to learn more.

Conductive Hydrogel Holds Promise for Implants

A team of scientists has developed a soft polymer hydrogel that can conduct electricity as well as metal can. Read on to learn more.

3D Printing Method ‘Grows’ Ultra-Strong Materials

Researchers have pioneered a 3D printing method that grows metals and ceramics inside a water-based gel, resulting in exceptionally dense, yet intricate constructions for next-generation biomedical technologies. Read on to learn more about it.

Bioadhesive Sponge Stops Internal Bleeding

Researchers combined mussel adhesive protein with decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) to develop a composite hemostatic sponge that offers both strong tissue adhesion and biocompatible biodegradability. Read on to learn more.

MD&M West Show Preview

Returning to Anaheim this February, MD&M West 2026 brings the global medical device community together for three days of engineering insight, manufacturing expertise, and technology breakthroughs. As one of the largest gatherings of medtech professionals in North America, the event showcases the full spectrum of product development. Read on to learn all about it.

OEM Toll Processing Advances High-Value Products

Toll processing (or toll manufacturing) involves a manufacturer processing customer-supplied materials or parts for a predetermined fee. The customer retains ownership of the materials, while the toll provider applies specialized technologies, equipment, and expertise to deliver the finished components. Read on to learn more about it.

Elevating Antimicrobial Coatings to a New Standard: Introducing Surface-Active Systems

There are two main product ranges: Surface-active therapeutics and surface-active materials. Read on to learn more about them.

Mitigating Leak Failures Using Radial Grinding Equipment

The development of the grinding machine was a complex task, requiring ample hours and engineering trials to complete. Read on to learn more about it and what it can do.

Built to Adapt: Rethinking Contract Manufacturing for a New Era

In this Q&A, Brian Semcer, president of MICRO, talks to Medical Design Briefs about how the next generation of contract manufacturers is redefining agility, quality, and partnership in the medical device ecosystem. Read now!

Advances in Polyimide Tubing for Next-Generation Medical Devices

Minimally invasive and interventional platforms increasingly demand smaller profiles, tighter tolerances, and components that maintain performance under thermal, chemical, and mechanical stress. Polyimide (PI) has emerged as a workhorse within these parameters. Read on to learn why.

Material Science Innovations for Medical Devices

New materials are enabling the production of medical devices that are stronger, more flexible, and more sustainable.

Automation, Robotics, and AI Integration in Medical Manufacturing

AI-driven quality control, predictive maintenance, and process optimization are improving efficiency and reducing costs in medical manufacturing.

New Material Extends Life of Orthopedic Implants

A pioneering liquid metal combination is shaping up as a potential secret weapon in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance and promises to outlast existing implant materials.

Product of the Month

See the product of the month: Evonik's clinical-grade version of its recombinant collagen-like protein platform for medical device development. Read on to learn more about it.

3D Printed Diamond–Titanium Device Could Lead to Longer-Lasting Implants

RMIT researchers have created an experimental 3D printed diamond–titanium device that generates electricity from flowing liquid and receives wireless power through tissue making it possible to remotely sense changes in flow. Read on to learn more about it.

Product Focus: Assembly/Manufacturing Equipment

See where the product focus is this month: On assembly/manufacturing equipment, including Air Turbine Technology Inc.'s tools with cutting speeds of 60,000 and 80,000 RPM for Swiss lathes; Nordson EFD's jetting system designed for precision fluid applications in medical device assembly; Right-angle M12 connectors for through-hole reflow soldering are available from Phoenix Contact; and Sunnen Products Company's honing oil for precision machining and medical device manufacturing.

Metamaterial Could Transform Ingestible and Implantable Medical Devices

Researchers, led by Rice University’s Yong Lin Kong, have developed a soft but strong metamaterial that can be controlled remotely to rapidly transform its size and shape. The invention, published in Science Advances, represents a significant advancement that can potentially transform ingestible and implantable medical devices. Read on to learn more about it.

Understanding Sensors for Medical Pump Technology

Medical pumps are at the heart of modern healthcare delivery. Their success depends on precise, reliable, and safe operation — capabilities enabled by advanced sensor technologies. From occlusion detection to bubble monitoring and temperature control, sensors provide the intelligence that allows pumps to perform with confidence in critical care environments. Read on to learn more.

Micronewton Scale Biotribometer Research of Low Friction Aqueous Gels, Cells, and Tissues

Read on to learn all about tribometry research and what it entails.

Electrochemical Machining Redefines Knee Implant Manufacturing

Knee replacement implants must balance strength, wear resistance, and precision geometry to restore mobility and reduce pain for millions of patients worldwide. Yet one of the most challenging regions of the knee femoral component to manufacture is the intercondylar area — the central box that accommodates the cam mechanism. In March 2025, Extrude Hone introduced an alternative approach: electrochemical machining (ECM). Read on to learn more.

Technology Makes ‘Shape Memory’ Dental Aligners

Researchers are testing a new technology that incorporates shape memory material for clear plastic dental aligners, an alternative to traditional metal braces. The clear aligners still need to be improved to the point that there are two materials — clear aligners and metal braces — that are as good as each other. Read on to learn more.

3D Printed Smart Pen Helps Diagnose Parkinson’s

Researchers have developed a smart, self-powered magnetoelastic pen that could help detect early signs of Parkinson’s by analyzing a person’s handwriting. The highly sensitive diagnostic pen features a soft, silicon magnetoelastic tip and ferrofluid ink — a special liquid containing tiny magnetic particles. Read on to learn more about it.

MEDevice Silicon Valley, an MD&M Event

Returning to the Santa Clara Convention Center this November, MEDevice Silicon Valley 2025 is where the world’s most forward-looking medtech professionals will gather to exchange ideas, explore new technologies, and accelerate product development. Read on to learn all about it.

Cadence Earns Silver Medal for Sustainability from EcoVadis

Cadence, Inc., Staunton, VA, has been awarded a silver medal from EcoVadis, the world’s most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. This marks the first time Cadence...