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

  • Two professionals in a laboratory setting discuss health monitoring innovations. The text overlay reads "Continuous Health Monitoring," emphasizing advancements in wearable devices and real-time data tracking for improved healthcare outcomes.

    Bio Break: The Power of Continuous Analyte Monitoring

    In this episode of Bio Break, StarFish Medical experts Joris and Nick dive into the transformative concept of Continuous Analyte Monitoring (CxM) and its growing role in wearable medical devices. They discuss the value of tracking metabolic markers over time, as opposed to relying on static time-point measurements, and how this approach enhances precision in both diagnostics and treatment.

  • Close-up of gloved hands holding a blue laboratory microtube rack with small clear sample tubes. The background shows a blurred laboratory setting, suggesting a scientific environment. Overlaid text reads 'Beyond Blood: NEW Testing Methods' in bold purple and gray font, highlighting the theme of alternative diagnostic sampling techniques.

    Bio Break: Exploring Alternative Bodily Fluids for Diagnostics

    In this episode of Bio Break, StarFish Medical experts Joris and Nick tackle an intriguing question: can alternative bodily fluids like sweat, saliva, or urine offer viable alternatives to blood sampling for medical diagnostics? While blood remains the gold standard for clinical testing, advancements in non-invasive sampling methods are opening new possibilities, particularly in wearable devices and at-home diagnostics.

  • A serene forest illuminated by numerous glowing fireflies, symbolizing the inspiration nature provides for innovations in medical diagnostics. Text overlaid on the image reads: "Nature-inspired Diagnostics" in bold purple and white fonts.

    Bio Break: How Nature-Inspired Biosensors Are Revolutionizing Medical Devices

    In this episode of Bio Break, Nick and Joris dive into the fascinating realm of biosensors, showcasing how nature’s biological processes inspire groundbreaking innovations in medical device technology. From jellyfish to fireflies, the natural world has provided invaluable tools that are transforming diagnostics and research.

  • A syringe aimed at the center of a black-and-white target, symbolizing precision. The text overlay reads "Precision Drug Activation" with a blurred laboratory background.

    Bio Break: Drug Activation Devices

    In this episode of Bio Break, Joris van der Heijden and Nick Allan discuss an advanced category of combination devices: drug activation devices. Unlike drug delivery devices that transport medication to specific locations, drug activation devices ensure the drug becomes active precisely where it is needed in the body, reducing systemic side effects and enhancing therapeutic effectiveness.

  • An illustrated concept of assay development featuring a blurred laboratory background with a focus on a magnifying glass emphasizing the text 'LOQ vs. LOD Explained.' The image also includes an upward-pointing arrow symbolizing progress and precision in diagnostics and analytics.

    Bio Break: Understanding Limit of Detection and Limit of Quantification in Assay Development

    Dive into the world of assay development with this informative episode of Bio Break, where Nick and Joris explore two critical concepts: Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ). These terms might sound similar, but their implications for clinical diagnostics and medical devices are vastly different. Whether you’re an engineer, researcher, or product developer, this video sheds light on why both LOD and LOQ are vital in ensuring the precision and reliability of diagnostic tests.

  • A medical vial with liquid and several teal-and-white capsules floating in the air, with a text overlay reading "Drug & Device: Why combine?" in a lab setting background.

    Bio Break: Drug-Device Combination Products

    In this episode of Bio Break, Joris and Nick explore the increasingly important world of drug-device combination products, discussing what they are, why they matter, and the unique challenges associated with their development. As modern pharmaceuticals become more complex, the role of engineered medical devices in delivering these therapies safely and effectively has never been more critical.

  • An illustrated flow diagram with interconnected boxes, representing platform technologies in a modern office setting. The title 'Platform Technologies Pros & Cons' is displayed prominently in bold purple and green text, suggesting an exploration of benefits and challenges in the field.

    Bio Break: Pros and Cons of Platform Technologies in Medical Device Development

    In this engaging episode of Bio Break, Nick and Joris dive into the complex world of platform technologies in product development, exploring the pros and cons of this widely discussed concept. From in-vitro diagnostics to point-of-care instruments, the term "platform" often sparks excitement—and sometimes hesitation. But what does it truly mean to build a platform-based product, and when does it make sense?

  • Colorful candy-coated chocolates float in the air against a blurred indoor background. Bold purple and black text on the left reads: "Medical Device Safety – A lesson from Van Halen."

    Bio Break: The Van Halen Secret to Medical Device Safety

    Nick and Joris dive into the surprising connection between rock bands and medical device safety. What do jelly beans and 1980s rock legends Van Halen have to do with developing safe and effective medical technologies? More than you might think.

  • Abstract image depicting financial growth in the medical device industry. A silhouetted figure points to a glowing dollar sign on a rising graph, symbolizing successful funding strategies. The design is complemented by floating dollar signs and a sleek, modern digital aesthetic.

    Bio Break: Funding Strategies for Medical Devices

    Nick and Joris tackle a topic that’s more relevant than ever—raising funds for medical device development in today’s challenging financial landscape. With economic headwinds and cautious investors, startups and even established organizations face significant hurdles in securing funding. But there are ways to mitigate these challenges, and Joris shares strategic insights to align product development milestones with fundraising cycles.