Skyphos Technologies, a US-based company, focuses on addressing the microfabrication needs of the medical and biotechnology sectors through high-precision 3D printing. Responsible for designing and manufacturing its own printers, software, and materials, Skyphos bridges the gap between academic labs and startups developing novel medical cures, facilitating their transition to commercial markets. Specializing in micro-DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology, the company provides 3D printing as a service and has developed solutions for the rapid and scalable production of microfluidic devices, essential for applications such as Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) systems. In an interview with 3Druck.com, founder Elliot McAllister discusses how 3D printing is advancing medical innovation through enhanced customization and efficient production.
The company’s micro-DLP platforms, the PETRI™-4K and Helios™-8K, are engineered to offer superior flexibility in resolution, capable of achieving pixel sizes ranging from 5.5 to 40 µm. This range allows for the creation of devices with intricate, high-fidelity features, a critical requirement for advanced microfluidic applications. By providing such precise fabrication capabilities, Skyphos facilitates the development of complex structures used in diagnostics, personalized medicine, and drug discovery.
Skyphos’ innovative micro-DLP technology, supported by issued and pending patents, is designed for the entire product lifecycle, from prototyping to full-scale production. This makes it a cost-effective solution for both research and commercial use. The proprietary nature of their 3D printing platforms, combined with custom-developed materials that emphasize biocompatibility and structural integrity, supports the production of durable and reliable microfluidic devices. These characteristics are crucial for ensuring performance consistency in medical testing and treatment procedures.
The company’s focus on rapid development cycles helps accelerate the innovation process in the biomedical field, allowing for quicker iterations and more efficient transitions from design to application. With the integration of customizable pixel resolution and advanced material handling, Skyphos stands out as a critical enabler for researchers and developers seeking high-precision, scalable solutions in microfabrication.
Interview with Elliot McAllister
In an interview with 3Druck.com, founder and CEO Elliot McAllister discusses the transformative role of 3D printing in medical and biomedical fields, emphasizing customization and rapid prototyping. He highlights how advancements in micro-DLP technology support the development of complex devices for diagnostics and personalized medicine, making production more efficient and cost-effective.
In your opinion, what is the impact of 3D printing technology on the medical and biomedical sectors?
3D printing technology has redefined the landscape of medical and biomedical innovation. For the medical sector, the technology offers unprecedented customization capabilities and rapid prototyping, essential for applications like personalized implants, surgical guides, and drug delivery systems. Within microfluidics, 3D printing accelerates the development of highly specialized LOC devices, supporting applications like point-of-care diagnostics, organ-on-a-chip systems, and drug testing. These advancements lower costs and speed up production timelines, allowing rapid iteration and testing. Skyphos, through its micro-DLP technology, exemplifies this shift by enabling biocompatible, high-precision devices with features as small as 5 µm, enhancing both research and clinical applications.
How does 3D printing technology improve the design and functionality of lab-on-a-chip devices compared to traditional manufacturing methods?
3D printing surpasses traditional methods like PDMS casting and soft lithography by allowing rapid, on-demand production of LOC devices with complex geometries and integrated microchannels. Skyphos’ micro-DLP printers enable smooth internal channel surfaces and high resolution, reducing the layering artifacts that are common in traditional lithography-based methods. This improved design flexibility supports advanced microfluidic applications in cell analysis, diagnostics, and organ mimics, enhancing the functionality and reliability of LOC devices in research and patient care.
3D printing has developed continuously over the last few years. Which innovations or technological breakthroughs do you consider to be particularly important for creating micro devices?
Recent advancements in 3D printing, especially in light and material handling, have been instrumental for micro-device fabrication. Innovations such as Skyphos’ multi-wavelength light curing allow tailored curing depths and speeds, which are pivotal for manufacturing devices with intricate details and complex inner structures. Dynamic greyscaling and sub-pixel resolution also play critical roles in enhancing surface quality and structural fidelity, making 3D printing a versatile tool for creating micro-devices with precise, repeatable features.
What impact do you think 3D printing will have on the medical sector and possibly society as a whole in the coming years?
3D printing is poised to drive transformative change in healthcare, enabling everything from personalized treatments to improved patient monitoring. In personalized medicine, for instance, 3D-printed microfluidic devices can mimic patient-specific cellular environments, supporting tailored drug testing and dosage optimization. Additionally, as 3D printing becomes more accessible and efficient, it could revolutionize remote healthcare, bringing lab-grade diagnostics and treatment tools directly to patients in underserved areas. Through continuous advancements, 3D printing will likely become an integral part of medical device manufacturing and biomedical research, broadening access and improving health outcomes on a global scale.
Here you can find further information on Skyphos.
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