Working with us –

Biomedical devices 

Biomedical devices encompass a large 
range of products from bandages to 
complex, life-saving implantable devices 
and for imaging, health monitoring 
and diagnostics. 

CSIRO’s team of researchers draw 
on skills across biology, chemistry, 
engineering and computer science. 
We collaborate with clinicians and 
industry to enable innovation of new 
materials and processes towards 
commercial reality. Our state-of-the-
art facilities and infrastructure include 
high-through-put robotic synthesis 
platforms and ISO accredited labs for the 
fabrication and evaluation of prototypes.

This science ‘one-stop-shop’ focuses on 
translating great ideas into commercial 
successes, making CSIRO your ultimate 
R&D partner.

Support for SMEs

CSIRO offers start-ups and small-to-
medium enterprises (SMEs) some 
excellent opportunities to work with 
us through faciliated R&D programs, 
such as incubators, accelerators and 
more. We also offer matched funding 
support and training. We’re here to help 
you navigate the research ecosystem 
and access our world-class facilities 
and researchers. 

Case study: 3D printed silicone

Researchers from our biomedical polymers lab have developed a family of new 
silicone products.

Parts printed with the silicone boast a suite of attributes including 
biocompatibility, super softness, great compressive elasticity, high transparency 
and tuneable mechanical properties.

The new resins are capable of printing complex designs in high resolution (see 
the example of a heart pictured above), including irregular shapes, thin walls 
and hollow structures. What’s more, they can be used with off-the-shelf printers, 
without any need for modification.

The silicones have applications in 3D printed medical devices and customised 
products such as dental devices, hearing aids and cochlear implants, prosthetics, 
and other patient specific medical devices. These unique ‘designer’ resins have 
the capability to help fast track prototyping some of these biomedical devices.






Medical device development pathway

Advanced development

Clinical 
input 

Manufacturing 
input

CSIRO

SMEs/Pharma

Academia/SMEs

Scoping 
study/white 
paper

Monomer/
additive/
bioconjugate 
synthesis

Material 
synthesis, 
functional 
modification

Material 
processing

Technology 
transfer

Device 
fabrication

Device & 
component testing

Biochemical 
assays

Cytotoxicity, 
bespoke cell & 
bacterial assay 
testing

OGTR Certified 
PC labs

in vivo target 
efficacy, 
safety target 
specificity, 
animal models

Quality 
assurance

Controlled 
cleanroom 
fabrication

BMTF

Analysis 
characterisation

Design of 
experimental/
modelling 

Device 
design & 
engineering

High throughout 
synthesis 
(RAMP)

Process development 
& scale-up

Market analysis, 
IP landscape 
analysis, business 
development & 
commercialisation

Biomedical materials 
translational facility

Polymers bulk, 
gel, particle

Surface 
modification

Biological 
materials

Phase I

Phase II

Phase III

Concept

Preclinical testing

Clinical trials

 Device optimisation

 Device development

Proof concept

Working with us – 
Our medical device and biomaterials capabilities


Unmet 
clinical 
need