National Institutes of Health

Description

This funding opportunity announcement (FOA) invites Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant applications from small business concerns (SBCs) to propose research to support research to develop 3D printers, polymers, and process specifications to produce premature- and neonatal-specific devices for external use or short-term insertion and implantation into the human body. Medical devices for premature infants and neonates are often not available in appropriate sizes. As a result, pediatric-sized devices have to be used and the sizing mismatch sometimes leads to deleterious consequences. Medical device companies find it difficult economically to produce the small quantities of devices for this patient population. 3D printing provides a potential solution to this problem as they can produce mechanically complex, patient-matched components with short lead times. Research is currently underway to create commercially viable printers capable of producing bioresorbable scaffolds with implanted stem cells for construction of new tissues and organs. However, no companies are currently supplying 3D printers and materials that can produce flexible implantable medical devices. If such systems were available, health care providers could provide better care to premature infant and neonatal patients.

Who can apply

• Small businesses

Contact

NIH OER Webmaster<br/>FBOWebmaster@OD.NIH.GOV<br/>
FBOWebmaster@OD.NIH.GOV