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Image: A scientist in a white lab coat works with laboratory equipment; Copyright: Empa

Empa

3D printing gives hope for corneal repair

07.11.2025

Empa researchers design a biocompatible 3D-printed corneal implant that could restore sight without donor tissue.
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Image: The image shows a white 3D-printed hand exoskeleton placed on a wooden surface; Copyright: Fraunhofer IWU

Fraunhofer IWU

Hand exoskeletons aid stroke and injury recovery

05.09.2025

Fraunhofer develops custom 3D-printed hand exoskeletons to support patient rehabilitation and relieve therapists in daily clinical care.
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Image: The image shows a microscopic view of star-shaped 3D-printed particles; Copyright: Communications Materials, Kiel University

Kiel University

3D printing advances inhaler drug delivery

01.09.2025

Kiel University develops 3D-printed carrier particles that enhance drug release in dry powder inhalers.
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Inside the making of diabetes pen technology

14.08.2025

How are the components of diabetes pens made? Our video gives an exclusive insight into production at Servomold.
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Image: Two researchers in lab coats smiling in a laboratory with scientific equipment; Copyright: KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)

KAIST creates 3D brain research platform

08.08.2025

KAIST developed a precise 3D brain-like platform for studying neuronal networks and testing treatments for neurological diseases.
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Image: The picture shows a large group of people standing together outside in front of building; Copyright: Universitat Politècnica de València

Universitat Politècnica de València

HYDROHEAL project advances bone regeneration

07.08.2025

HYDROHEAL develops biomaterials using hydrogels and AI to improve bone fracture treatments and speed up patient recovery.
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Image: Two researchers in lab coats operate a 3D lung model inside a test chamber; Copyright: Kathy F. Atkinson / University of Delaware

Kathy F. Atkinson / University of Delaware

3D lung model supports aerosol delivery

18.07.2025

A new breathing lung model helps researchers evaluate how inhaled medicines behave under real-world conditions, aiding respiratory drug development.
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Astronaut holding a printer cartridge; Copyright: Auxilium/NASA

Implants: Successful 3D bioprinting in space

03.07.2025

A bioprinter printed nerve implants on the ISS for the first time - also for better healing on Earth.
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Image: Microscopic image of a bio-ink with embedded electrospun fibres; Copyright: NMI

NMI

Bioink with fibers boosts nutrient flow in bioprinting

08.05.2025

A new fiber-based bioink improves nutrient transport and structural integrity in 3D-printed tissue models for pharma and medical use.
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Image: A gloved hand in a blue lab glove holds a small, cube-shaped soft actuator; Copyright: Empa

Empa

Soft muscles from the printer

04.04.2025

Researchers developed soft silicone actuators using 3D printing. These artificial muscles could one day support movement in humans.
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Image: A 3D printer applies a black printing ink to a white plate; Copyright: Shengduo Xu / ISTA

Shengduo Xu / ISTA

Thermoelectric materials from the 3D printer

07.03.2025

Thermoelectric materials play a crucial role in efficient temperature regulation in electronics and medical applications.
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Image: 3D printer prints a vertebra

Additive manufacturing trends

10.02.2025

Additive manufacturing enables the precise production of highly complex and customized products and offers valuable advantages.
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Biocompatible materials

20.01.2025

The use of biocompatible materials prevents problems wherever the surface of devices comes into contact with the body.
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Image: A cube of cartilage construct on a petri dish held by a gloved hand in a laboratory setting; Copyright: Ozbolat Lab at Penn State / Penn State

Ozbolat Lab at Penn State / Penn State

Bioprinting: speed up in functional tissue fabrication

13.01.2025

Penn State researchers have unveiled a bioprinting method that accelerates tissue production 10 times faster.
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Image: A transparent container with circular compartments filled with red liquid, featuring 3D-printed structures; Copyright: University of Nottingham

University of Nottingham

Materials for personalized regenerative implants

11.12.2024

Researchers have developed a new blood-derived material capable of repairing bones, the "biocooperative" material.
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Image: Illustration of a cell trap array; Copyright: Fraunhofer IMM

Fraunhofer IMM

Printed organ structures for personalized medicine

28.11.2024

Usage of microfluidics and single-cell technologies to print precise organ structures - a significant development for personalized medicine.
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Illustration of the place in the knee where the implant is inserted; Copyright: Fraunhofer IAP / Jadwiga Galties

Fraunhofer IAP / Jadwiga Galties

3D bioprinting: Personalized implants for cartilage therapy

02.10.2024

Researchers are developing 3D printing inks with the body's own cartilage cells for personalized cartilage implants.
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Image: 3D printer as preview image to the video

The versatile world of 3D printing

10.06.2024

In our video, we shed light on the possibilities of current printer models and their medical applications.
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Image: Two hands holding a 3D-printed bolt; Copyright: Envato/Tatiana_Mara

Envato/Tatiana_Mara

3D: Laser Powder Bed Fusion

08.05.2024

New 3D printing technology: highly complex components made of metallic materials with Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF).
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Image: Products from the 3D printer on a black background; Copyright: Empa

Empa

Cellulose aerogel combines sustainability with high-tech

24.04.2024

Empa researchers have developed a 3D-printable, biodegradable cellulose aerogel that combines pioneering properties.
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Image: Various 3D-printed small parts lying on a table; Copyright: beta-web GmbH / Messe Düsseldorf

PolyPrint: 3D printing for medicines

12.04.2024

Better therapies, fewer side effects - 3D printing for personalized medicines.
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Image: Implant shaft under 3D printer; Copyright: Fraunhofer CMI

ninelutsk / Envato

Biomimetic adhesive for tissue and bone

02.04.2024

The printable dopamine-based tissue adhesive can even be printed on curved, uneven surfaces.
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Image: Graphic representation of the encapsulation of the mRNA active ingredient in the automated screening system as part of the RNAuto research project; Copyright: Fraunhofer IESE

Fraunhofer IESE

Production of mRNA therapeutics

31.01.2024

RNAuto wants to reduce prices for some particularly expensive drugs by automating production.
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Image: a printed hand in the 3D printer being pushed out by hands; Copyright: envato/FabrikaPhoto

envato/FabrikaPhoto

Patient-specific solutions

20.12.2023

Complex 3D printing can be used to produce individualized parts for medical technology purposes.
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Image: Printing the support frame using a 3D printer; Copyright: bellaSeno

bellaSeno

3D printing: composite material for bone healing

28.11.2023

After a bone fracture, some patients experience healing disorders. To enable effective treatment in these cases, the Fraunhofer Institute IFAM (Germany) is researching a new composite material for use in the operating theater as part of the SCABAEGO joint project.
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Image: An older man is interviewed by a woman with a microphone; Copyright: beta-web GmbH / Messe Düsseldorf

Innovation in medicine: DiHeSys presents 3D printing technology for personalized medicines

13.11.2023

At COMPAMED 2023, DiHeSys - Digital Health Systems GmbH, presents customized drug production using 3D printing technology, which is designed to set new standards in the field of personalized medicine.
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Image: At the pilot plant, a 3D printer builds the scaffold from the composite material; Copyright: BellaSeno

BellaSeno

COMPAMED 2023: Bioactive composite supports healing

09.11.2023

Fraunhofer develops composite implant to boost healing and success in non-union bone fractures, easing patient burden.
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A visit at Comate

01.11.2023

In the field of medical design, constant development is required: design, components, materials, production processes.
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Image: The transverse link with imprinted force sensor measures the stresses acting in the application at any time; Copyright: Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen.

Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen

Integrated sensor tech: next stage in additive manufacturing

28.09.2023

Fraunhofer ILT developed a sensor system via additive manufacturing to meet Industry 4.0 needs for precise machine condition monitoring.
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Image: Several disposable masks on a pile of garbage; Copyright: Rimidolove

Rimidolove

Sustainable materials and recycling

19.09.2023

Where are the difficulties and how can the the industry become more sustainable, despite strict safety regulations?
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Image: A blue 3D printed bandage on a hand; Copyright: Faraz Faruqi and Stefanie Mueller

Faraz Faruqi and Stefanie Mueller

AI-driven tool to personalize 3D-printable models

19.09.2023

MIT’s Style2Fab lets users personalize 3D models with text prompts, adding custom designs without affecting object functionality.
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Image: some computer mouse shells made of printed wood fiber on a table; Copyright: Empa

Empa

Sustainability: wood instead of plastic?

06.09.2023

Could manufacturers even do without plastics to become more sustainable?
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Image: A man working with a 3D printer; Copyright: Patrick Mansell/Penn State

Patrick Mansell/Penn State

Grant to facilitate high-speed bioprinting

26.07.2023

Penn State researchers lead a project to develop tech for scalable bioprinting of native human tissues like bones, tracheas and organs.
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Image:  Doctoral candidate Lukas Hiendlmeier working on the self-folding electrodes; Copyright: Andreas Heddergott / TUM

Andreas Heddergott / TUM

Electrodes: 4D printing for nerve stimulation

18.07.2023

Specific nerves may be stimulated artificially, for example to treat pain. The finer the nerves, the more difficult it is to attach the required electrodes. Researchers have now developed flexible electrodes produced with 4D printing technology. On contact with moisture, they automatically fold and wrap themselves around thin nerves.
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Image: Image showing the preparation of hydrogels that enhance the viability of NK cells; Copyright: KIMM

KIMM

3D bioprinting technology to be used for removing cancer cells

13.07.2023

KIMM develops the world’s first 3D bioprinting technology that enhances the function of NK immune cells. The new technology is expected to improve effectiveness of cancer treatment.
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Image: Six artificial fingerprint patterns with different properties to visualise individual fluorescence and topography; Copyright: Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces / Dr Felix Loeffler

Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces / Dr Felix Loeffler

Product safety: anti-counterfeiting through laser printing

15.06.2023

A team of researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (MPICI) has developed a method that could make it more difficult to counterfeit products in the future. The new and patented method makes it possible to produce unique, non-copyable fluorescent patterns quickly, environmentally friendly and at low costs.
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Image: The developed mini scanner and a two Euro coin for size comparison; Copyright: Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen

Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen

Compact laser scanner with 90 percent less construction volume

30.05.2023

Galvanometer scanners have been in use in laser material processing for decades. However, a team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT has now developed a new, particularly compact scanner module for applications in 3D printing, micromachining or medical technology.
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Image: Close-up of a WFIRM gyroid-shaped construct on a blue-gloved hand; Copyright: WFIRM

WFIRM

Bioprinting research makes history when it soars to the ISS

17.05.2023

The Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM) will make history this month when the first bioprinted solid tissue constructs soar to the International Space Station (ISS) on board the next all private astronaut mission by commercial space leader Axiom Space.
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Image: Barnika Chakraborty, Professor Rainer Adelung and Dr Leonard Siebert; Copyright: Julia Siekmann, Uni Kiel

Julia Siekmann, Uni Kiel

New sensors for healthier indoor air

16.05.2023

People spend an average of 22 hours a day indoors, where furniture, carpets or wall paints can release harmful solvents over time. The scientists in the international doctoral programme "SENNET" aim to detect such pollutants. They want to develop reliable sensors based on special, porous materials.
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Image: flat printed model of a deformable finger orthosis on a light background; Copyright: Fraunhofer IWU

Fraunhofer IWU

2.5D printing: "It only takes about five minutes to print an orthosis"

15.05.2023

Customized finger orthoses that can be printed quickly: Lukas Boxberger from the Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU in Dresden focuses his research on this subject. In the future, the WEAM orthosis will support the customization of standard orthoses. In this interview, he explains the processes and materials that will turn this concept into a reality.
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Image: A smart bandage rests on a gloved finger; Copyright: Caltech

Caltech

'Smart' bandages monitor wounds and provide targeted treatment

05.04.2023

A new kind of smart bandage developed at Caltech may make treatment of chronic wounds easier, more effective, and less expensive. These smart bandages were developed in the lab of Wei Gao, assistant professor of medical engineering, Heritage Medical Research Institute Investigator, and Ronald and JoAnne Willens Scholar.
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Image: Shape of a bird in the center of several concentric shells; Copyright: Kai Melde, MPI for Medical Research

Fraunhofer IWM

Creating 3D objects with sound

15.02.2023

Scientists from the Micro, Nano and Molecular Systems Lab at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research and the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials at Heidelberg University have created a new technology to assemble matter in 3D. Their concept uses multiple acoustic holograms to generate pressure fields.
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