In an era where miniaturization is at the forefront of technological advancement, companies like Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF) are pioneering the future of ultra-high precision 3D printing. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with John Kawola, CEO of BMF, about the company’s latest innovations and their impact across various industries.
The Genesis of BMF
Founded on the premise that the world is increasingly demanding smaller and more precise components, BMF has positioned itself as a leader in micro 3D printing. Kawola explained, “As things get smaller, they become harder to make, and there aren’t sufficient prototyping tools available to create such small parts. BMF was founded to address this gap.”
BMF Biotechnology: Pioneering Lab-on-a-Chip Technology
The A10 BioChip
One of the most exciting areas of development at BMF is within the biotechnology sector, specifically with their lab-on-a-chip technology. A dedicated team in San Diego is focusing on creating novel structures that can better simulate biological environments, which is crucial for drug testing and reducing the need for animal testing.
“Lab-on-a-chip has been an idea for around 15 years, but its effectiveness depends on how well the chip can replicate real biological processes,” Kawola noted. BMF’s chips are designed with capillary-sized structures, around 80 microns in diameter, to mimic the nutrient and waste transport systems in the body. These advancements hold promise for applications in skin, brain, liver, and kidney research.
