Specialty chemicals company Evonik has developed a new type of osteoconductive polyetheretherketone (PEEK) that can improve the fusion of bone implants. This material expands Evonik's existing biomaterial portfolio for long-term human-contact implants and provides a metal-free alternative to titanium implants. This new biomaterial is sold under the VESTAKEEP Fusion brand and will be launched at the Virtual European Spine Conference to be held from October 6th to 9th.
The addition of biphasic calcium phosphate to the PEEK material promotes osseointegration, makes bone cells adhere to the implant faster, and promotes the fusion between the bone and the implant. According to Evonik, this in turn can accelerate bone fusion and recovery.
VESTAKEEP iC4800 is the first biomaterial in Evonik’s new Fusion product line, with mechanical properties similar to human bones. Like all other PEEK-based polymers used in medical technology applications, the newly developed biomaterial does not produce any artifacts during the imaging process, but the additives provide the natural shadows required for accurate placement and observation of the fusion process.
Development of customer-specific biomaterials
In addition to VESTAKEEP iC4800, Evonik also provides the development of biologically active customer-specific materials in the new Fusion series. VESTAKEEP Fusion Select products are developed in cooperation with each customer from a mature osteoconductive library.
VESTAKEEP Fusion is available in the form of granules and semi-finished products. Like all previous PEEK products, it can be milled, compression molded and extruded.
The new bone conductive PEEK biomaterial can also be injection molded. Its design allows functional additives to be used on the surface without forming a thin film. Evonik cooperated with Samaplast, a Swiss company specializing in plastics engineering, to demonstrate and record the processing characteristics of VESTAKEEP Fusion in injection molding.
Evonik is currently studying the possibility of developing VESTAKEEP Fusion's 3D printing filaments, which can be processed by fused filament manufacturing (FFF) technology.