| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T23: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Society for Biomaterials: Biomaterial Applications in Today’s Industry: Development, Translation & Commercialization
|
| Presentation Title |
Development of 3D-Printed Antimicrobial Si3N4-PEEK Cervical Spine Devices |
| Author(s) |
Paul DeSantis, Cemile Başgül, Tabitha Derr, Chelsey McMinn, Jackson Hendry, Douglas Hoxworth, Thomas Schaer, B. Sonny Bal, Noreen Hickok, Steven Kurtz, Ryan M. Bock |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Ryan M. Bock |
| Abstract Scope |
Bacterial biofilms cause implant-associated infections and are tolerant and recalcitrant to many antimicrobials. Silicon nitride (Si3N4) has shown promise as a biomaterial to be used to reduce infection burden. This work describes the development of a Si3N4-PEEK (polyetheretherketone) composite material for 3D-printed cervical spinal fusion devices. Filaments containing 15% (by volume) Si3N4 compounded into PEEK were prepared and used to print test components by the fused filament fabrication method. Samples were challenged with S. epidermidis (ATCC® 14990) in 24-hour assays performed in TSB, plasma, and serum. Implants were tested in static compression, compression-shear, and torsion in accordance with ASTM F2077. Bacterial CFUs were ~1.5-log fewer relative to PEEK for Si3N4-PEEK. Composite implants survived loading well beyond established thresholds for static compression, compression-shear, and torsion. These favorable results have enabled progression to a phase II effort to gather the remaining data needed for FDA device clearance submission. |