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University-Originated Startup Develops Advanced Medical Materials with Polymers, Aiming to Bring Brazilian Innovation from Labs to Market
A technology developed in Rio Grande do Sul may pave the way for the manufacturing of medical devices in Brazil. The startup PolimiHealth utilizes 3D printing and materials engineering to create grafts, prosthetics, and other medical components made from advanced polymers. The information was published by Jornal do Comércio on August 10, 2026, in a report by Manuela Cassano.
The company emerged from the academic environment of PUCRS. The project brings together researchers from engineering and medicine to develop solutions that can enhance the national production of technologies currently dependent on international suppliers.
Moreover, the initiative aligns with a global trend: transforming scientific research into high-complexity products capable of reaching the market.
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University Research Leads to New Technology for Medical Devices
PolimiHealth’s journey began in 2023, originating from research conducted in the field of Materials Engineering and Technology.
Initially, the study focused on polymer coatings for stents. However, the research evolved into a broader application: the creation of vascular grafts produced through 3D printing.
Using additive manufacturing technology, researchers can create structures layer by layer from digital models.
This method allows for greater control over the shape, composition, and characteristics of the materials used.
The technology opens up possibilities for developing devices that are better suited to the specific needs of each medical application.
3D Printing Transforms Polymers into Advanced Grafts and Medical Components
One of the project’s main differentiators is the use of filament-form polymers to manufacture medical devices.
During production, the printer heats and deposits the material in layers until the planned structure is formed.
This method enables the creation of components such as vascular grafts, lower limb prosthetics, and stents, according to information regarding the startup’s development.
Furthermore, researchers need to assess various factors before potential commercial application.
These include mechanical strength, safety, and material compatibility with the human body.
Thus, polymer engineering has become one of the most critical stages of the project.
Technology Aims to Strengthen Domestic Production of Medical Devices
Another objective of PolimiHealth is to enhance Brazil’s capacity to develop its own medical technologies.
Currently, a portion of the devices used in the healthcare sector relies on international suppliers.
In this context, solutions created in Brazil can help bridge the gap between universities, companies, and the medical market.
Furthermore, the project tracks the advancement of so-called deep techs, companies that leverage scientific research and advanced engineering to create more complex products.
This model has been gaining traction in sectors that rely on technological innovation, such as healthcare, industry, and biotechnology.
Startup Advances Testing Before Bringing Technology to Market
PolimiHealth is still in the validation phase of the devices developed. At this moment, the team is conducting studies to assess the behavior of the materials and verify the safety of the polymers used.
One of the points analyzed involves material degradation after contact with the body. This step is essential to understand how the device functions over time.
Only after these evaluations can a medical technology proceed to new development phases and potential commercial applications.
3D Printing Bridges Engineering, Medicine, and New Technological Solutions
In addition to grafts, the company is also developing projects related to bio-printing and regenerative medicine.
The PolimiPrint initiative aims to broaden the use of technology for new applications involving biomaterials and medical devices.
As a result, 3D printing transcends being just a prototyping tool and begins to occupy space in highly complex areas.
The integration between materials engineering, medicine, and digital fabrication demonstrates how research developed in universities can generate new technological solutions.
In the future, this type of integration could accelerate the development of more personalized medical devices produced with greater control over their materials.
