All articles by Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Probing single cells
One of the most important applications of microfluidic devices in recent years has been single-cell analysis. This allows the study of individual cells and is often used for diagnosis, like in PCR tests. A variety of different microfluidic strategies are possible here: you can use microwells to isolate the cells, trap them, generate droplets that are used for analysis and more. Sachin Rawat speaks to experts in the field to learn more about the different approaches and how they can be used.
Sight for sore eyes
Artificial retinas can restore partial vision to people who have lost their sight due to degenerative diseases, where their photoreceptors can no longer function normally. Presently, only limited solutions are available that provide marginal improvements to sight – but new ones are under development that promise better results. Monica Karpinski finds out what’s on the horizon.
The challenges of miniturisation
Medical devices are getting smaller and more sophisticated – which has driven demand for custom electronic components. A common ask is for devices to be fl exible so they can move with the end user, for example. What are the challenges device makers can face with accommodating these requests, and how can they be overcome? Ellie Philpotts investigates.
Fabrication in 4D
If 3D printing was transformative for medical manufacturing, then its 4D successor promises to take device makers’ capabilities even further. Four-dimensional printing is an advanced technique that enables the fabrication of 3D objects whose properties can change in response to specific stimuli, such as a change in temperature or pH levels. Abi Millar speaks to Mohammad Mirzaali and Amir Zadpoor of the Delft University of Technology, as well as Eujin Pei of Brunel University of London, to uncover the potential of 4D printing.
Meeting micro moulding demands
As medical devices become smaller and more complex, the demand for micro moulding is set to rise exponentially in the coming years. The push for ever-tinier parts has driven innovation but also comes with challenges: as well as achieving precision when moulding, extensive material research, creativity and close collaboration is often also required. Ellie Philpotts fi nds out how CMOs can meet these challenges.
Keeping up the pace
CMOs are under pressure to deliver results faster, and many are turning to rapid prototyping to speed up design and manufacturing processes. But there are many moving parts to manage in this approach. Jim Banks talks to experts Richard Bibb, associate dean of research at the Nottingham School of Art and Design, and Ian Gibson, professor at the University of Twente and co-editor of the Rapid Prototyping Journal, about how CMOs can maximise the opportunities and minimise the pitfalls of rapid prototyping.
Regulating innovation in the UK
When done right, medical device regulation strikes the perfect balance between enabling innovation and upholding patient safety. It’s a challenge the UK government now faces following the recent launch of its Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO). Designed to reduce the burden of red tape in gaining device approval, the move also aims to make it easier to invest in UK life sciences. Abi Millar talks to lawyers Anna Lundy and Peter Rudd-Clarke at Osborne Clarke, and Edward Emerson of TechUK, to find out what this could mean for device makers.
Smooth recalls
Medical device recalls are on the rise. And, thanks to a number of high-profile cases, they’ve been making headlines – prompting calls for the process to be improved. One key aspect of this is ensuring the right information reaches the right people, as quickly as possible. Dan Cave speaks to Stephen Gilbert, professor for medical device regulatory science at EKFZ Digital Health, to find out how the process could be made smoother and safer.
Tyber Medical, Intech, and Resolve Surgical Technologies Finalize Merger, forming a Global CDMO+ Focused on Advanced Medical Devices Solutions for Musculoskeletal Care
In a pivotal move shaping the future of MedTech, Tyber Medical, Intech, and Resolve Surgical Technologies have merged into a unified, leading developer, designer and manufacturer of surgical devices focused on serving the needs of MedTech OEMs and patients.
Rethink Medical Packaging Sustainability!
The medical device industry is facing growing pressure to adopt sustainable packaging solutions while maintaining compliance with stringent regulations. Rising demand for environmentally friendly materials, coupled with the need to balance sustainability goals without compromising quality or safety, has created unique challenges for manufacturers.