From prototype to production – solving the scale-up gap

Great science doesn’t always translate into a scalable product, and that gap can stall even the most promising innovations. In this Mol Bio Minutes episode, Steve Lewis explores a common challenge in biotech: moving from a validated assay or prototype to a commercially viable product. While scientific teams often achieve strong early results, scaling requires coordination across design, engineering, materials, and manufacturing, which typically involves multiple vendors. This fragmented process introduces delays, misalignment, and risk. The episode highlights how physical product design, especially for consumables like microfluidic cartridges or custom plastics, can ultimately determine whether a solution reaches the market. By integrating design, prototyping, and manufacturing under one roof, Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Plastics Prototyping Services aim to streamline this transition. Early consideration of materials, manufacturability, and reagent compatibility enables faster iteration and more efficient scale-up, particularly for startups navigating growth stages. Ultimately, the message is clear: if your biology works but your product doesn’t scale, the problem is solvable. With the right integrated approach, innovation doesn’t have to stall, it can move efficiently from idea to impact. Helpful resources and links: Learn more about Thermo Fisher Plastics Prototyping Services Access information about reagents and raw materials for use in your product(s) Subscribe to get future episodes as they drop and if you like what you’re hearing we hope you’ll share a review or recommend the series to a colleague.  Visit the Invitrogen School of Molecular Biology to access helpful molecular biology resources and educational content, and please share this resource with anyone you know working in molecular biology.  For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.