On November 28th, 2022, it was learned from Bond3D printing information station that Invibio Biomaterial Solutions, a developer of Bond3D and medical implants in the Netherlands, successfully developed a method of manufacturing spinal fusion cage with additives, which can better promote the recovery of patients.

It is reported that this "new generation" spinal fusion cage developed by these two companies. This fusion cage not only has all the therapeutic advantages of previous products, but also can be configured with the porosity required to stimulate new bone formation. At the Formnext exhibition, the grid structures of these companies are said to be biocompatible enough to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. At present, they are going through regulatory steps to get approval.

△CT image of mesh spinal fusion cage printed by Bond3D Company. Image from Bond3D.

Bond3D PEEK 3D printing technology

△Bond3D's 3D printed PEEK spinal fusion cage

Bond3D is based in enschede, specializing in the production of functional components of high-performance polymers certified for use in key applications. The company's business revolves around a pressure-controlled extrusion process. Therefore, filaments can be printed in layers so that the density of the final part exceeds 99%. The compatibility of Bond3D technology with polyimide, fluoropolymer, liquid crystalline polymer and polyaryletherketone (PAEK) makes it meet the needs of medical, aerospace, energy and automotive markets.

The fourth generation "spinal implant"

PEEK has been proved to be a popular material in the medical industry because of its sterilization, high biocompatibility and impressive strength-to-weight ratio. In fact, Bond3D company claims that this polymer has been used to make implants for more than 15 million patients, whether they need orthopedic, spinal, trauma or cardiovascular treatment. 

Bond3D found an opportunity in this field, that is, to develop spinal interbody fusion cage, which can realize clearer CT/MRI imaging without artifacts. At the same time, it is still a persistent challenge in the field of biomedical devices to produce implants with similar modulus to natural bones and porous areas to promote bone ingrowth and rigidity to prevent cage collapse.

△3D printed anterior spine implant device from 4WEB Medical Company. Image from 4WEB Medical Company.

To solve these problems related to imaging and hardness, Bond3D company cooperated with Invibio Biomaterials Company to develop 3D printing function of high-hole spine cage. Bond3D said that its technology can create "fourth generation" implants, combining all the advantages of previous generations of products, with enhanced biomechanics and biocompatibility to help bone regeneration.

At present, these two companies are taking the final step to submit an FDA application for one of these devices to a spinal implant developer in the United States. Bond3D said that this document will help any subsequent medical OEMs to market their designs in the future.

Due to the individual differences of human body, spinal implants have high requirements for personalized customization. Therefore, "personalization" has built a bridge of deep integration between 3D printing technology and medical industry. Apium Bio-PEEK 3D printer can customize PEEK interbody fusion cage according to individual requirements!

Bio PEEK 3D printer

Apium Bio PEEK 3D printer is a 3D printer specially designed for manufacturing medical products and PEEK implants. Personalized orthopedic implants can be produced by 3D printing, so as to meet clinical and scientific research needs (material engineering, biological tissue engineering).

PEEK "intervertebral cage"

△Apium 3D Printing PEEK Intervertebral Fusion Cage

PEEK intervertebral substitute printed by Apium Biopeek 3D printer has good bio-safety, histocompatibility, good bone induction and porous structure on the surface, which is conducive to the fusion and growth of bones.

Although 3D printing is still looking for its foothold in the wider medical market, this technology has become popular in the field of custom spinal implant manufacturing. Therefore, 3D printed PEEK implant will be widely used in spine, joints, trauma, oral craniofacial, neurosurgery, plastic surgery and so on. Shanghai Jinting Technology has a complete set of data analysis and personalized solutions for PEEK implantation in 3D printing. If necessary, you can call us at any time.