Two men, Nick A. (left) and Nigel (right), sit at a white table, engaging in a lively and friendly conversation. Both wear checkered shirts and lavalier microphones, suggesting a filmed discussion or interview. Nick holds tissue samples in one hand and gestures animatedly, while Nigel smiles in response. Each has a white mug labeled with their name and a purple star logo. The background is a bright white, creating a clean and professional studio setting.

Bio Break

Quick Insights into MedTech and Biotech Innovation

Welcome to Bio Break, a video series brought to you by StarFish Medical. Each episode delivers bite-sized, bio-focused insights on medical device product development and biotechnology in five minutes or less. Designed for busy innovators, Bio Break is your quick opportunity to learn something new, get inspired, and continue making an impact—all while taking a short pause in your day.

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Watch our latest Bio Break episodes

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From ELISA to At-Home COVID Tests

Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck reflect on highlights from ADLM in Chicago. This episode explores how diagnostics like COVID testing evolved from lab-based ELISA methods to rapid at-home lateral flow kits—and what it means for the future of diagnostic innovation.

Why ADLM Is the Most Important Lab Diagnostics Showcase

Nick and Nigel talk about the importance of ADLM 2025 in Chicago. Hear why it’s the leading laboratory diagnostics showcase

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Past Episodes

  • A close-up view of a transparent smart bandage with an embedded microchip adhered to human skin. The circuit lines are visible on the bandage surface. Overlay text reads “Theranostic? Smart Bandages” with “Theranostic?” in bold purple and “Smart Bandages” in bold black, set against a soft blue and skin-toned background.

    What Is a Theranostic Wound Dressing?

    A theranostic wound dressing does more than cover a cut—it actively detects infection and delivers targeted treatment.

  • A laptop on a wooden desk displays a digital document icon on its screen. Beside it, bold text reads "Design History Files Explained," highlighting the topic of regulatory documentation in medical device development.

    Bio Break: Why the Design History File (DHF) Matters in MedTech

    Nick and Joris break down what a DHF is, why it's required, and how it plays a vital role throughout the development lifecycle.

  • Two colorful paper boats—one red and one yellow—float on a blue background with illustrated white waves beneath them. Bold text reads "From Idea to Impact," symbolizing innovation and progress in medical device development.

    Bio Break: From Concept to Clinical – Pathfinder Program Case Study

    Nick Allan and Joris van der Heijden revisit one of StarFish Medical’s most successful Pathfinder journeys, showcasing how a bold research concept evolved into a fully realized clinical diagnostic device.

  • A visual project roadmap titled "Finding the Path to MedTech Innovation" shows five development phases: Phase Zero (Pathfinder Product Definition), Phase One (Engineering Detailed Design), Phase Two (Transfer), and Phase Three (Manufacturing). Each phase includes activities such as contextual research, usability engineering, IP generation, design input development, regulatory strategy, prototyping, verification, manufacturing process development, and volume manufacturing. Arrows represent workflows across multiple functions like product development, quality, and regulatory support, with milestone gates marked by stars.

    Bio Break: Finding the Path to MedTech Innovation with the Pathfinder Program

    Nick and Joris explore one of the most dynamic early-phase services at StarFish Medical: the Pathfinder Program. If you're a medtech innovator with a promising concept or prototype, Pathfinder helps you identify the right path forward—before you invest millions in development.

  • A stylized dart hits the center of a yellow target next to bold text reading "Future of Ablation Technology" on a white background.

    Bio Break: Types of Ablation

    Nick and Joris explore the wide world of ablation technologies—unpacking how each approach works and what it’s best suited for.

  • Close-up of gloved hands holding a medical catheter with the text "Minimally Invasive Maximum Impact" on the right side, representing advanced medical device technology.

    Bio Break: How Ablation Technology Is Transforming Surgery

    Nick Allan and Joris van der Heijden dive into one of the most impactful trends in modern medtech: minimally invasive surgery. Ablation technology plays a crucial role as hospitals and healthcare providers aim to reduce patient recovery times and overall system strain.

  • Close-up of gloved hands holding a flexible catheter used for minimally invasive procedures, with the caption "Minimally Invasive Maximum Impact" on a clean white background.

    The Power of Ablation

    In this episode of Bio Break, Nick and Joris dive into the rapidly growing field of minimally invasive medical technologies, focusing on…

  • A promotional graphic with bold text reading "Vision Surgery with a Tooth" in purple and black letters. Below the text is a large 3D image of a tooth and a purple plus sign. On the right side, a woman is undergoing an eye exam using a slit lamp microscope.

    Bio Break: Tooth-In-Eye Surgery

    In this episode of Bio Break, Nick and Joris dive into one of the most astonishing—and real—medical innovations we’ve ever come across: osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis. Or, as Nick quickly dubs it, “tooth in eye surgery.”

  • Illustration of a house with a green checkmark beside a hospital with a red X. Text above reads "Prevent the Hospital?" in bold black and purple lettering, highlighting the concept of avoiding hospitalization through preventative healthcare.

    Bio Break: Preventive Medical Devices

    In this episode of Bio Break, Nick Allan and Joris van der Heijden explore a critical but often overlooked topic in healthcare innovation: prevention. While most conversations about medical devices revolve around treatment, the duo shifts the focus to technologies that help people avoid hospitalization altogether. Preventive medical devices and diagnostic tools are quietly transforming healthcare by catching diseases earlier and reducing the need for invasive procedures.