PEEK Fiber Bone Fixation Material Sterilization Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bone fixation materials made from resins like polyacrylonitriles and poly(ether ketone)s deteriorate under electron beam sterilization and lack biocompatibility and osteoconnectivity.
Innovation Solution
A bone fixation material composed of a nonwoven fabric made of poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) fibers with specific properties such as average pore size, porosity, fiber diameter, and crystallinity, which provides fatigue resistance, wear resistance, and biocompatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional resins (polyacrylonitriles, poly(ether ketone)s) are used for bone fixation materials, then the materials can be manufactured with basic structural properties, but they deteriorate under electron beam sterilization and lack adequate biocompatibility and osteoconnectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter from conventional resins to PEEK (polyetheretherketone) fibers, which fundamentally alters the material's resistance to electron beam sterilization. PEEK's specific molecular structure provides inherent stability against radiation-induced degradation, eliminating the deterioration problem while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs PEEK fibers as a composite material with inherent biocompatibility and osteoconnectivity properties. The fibrous composite structure combines the mechanical strength of PEEK with the biological benefits of fiber morphology, resolving both the sterilization stability issue and the biocompatibility deficiency simultaneously
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional resins are used for bone fixation materials, then basic mechanical properties can be achieved, but they lack adequate biocompatibility and osteoconnectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter to PEEK fibers, which possess intrinsic biocompatibility due to their chemical inertness and physiological stability. This parameter change simultaneously enhances both biocompatibility (reducing harmful immune responses) and adaptability (enabling osteoconnectivity through bone cell interaction)
3Strength
If rigid bone fixation materials are used, then structural strength is provided, but they may cause damage to bones or surrounding soft tissues due to lack of flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs PEEK fibers in a nonwoven fabric configuration that inherently provides flexibility while maintaining structural strength. The fibrous network structure allows the material to conform to irregular bone surfaces and accommodate physiological movements, preventing tissue damage that would occur with rigid materials
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a bone fixation material that does not deteriorate in properties even by an electron beam sterilization treatment performed before or during use as a bone fixation material, has fatigue resistance, wear resistance, and dimensional stability at excellent levels, also has biocompatibility, and offers excellent osteoconnectivity. The bone fixation material according to the present invention includes a nonwoven fabric made of PEEK fibers. The bone fixation material according to the present invention preferably has an average pore size of 3 to 280 μm and preferably has a porosity of 15% to 70%. The PEEK fibers preferably have an average fiber diameter of 10 μm or less.