When discussing different applicable materials for biocompatible implants, even in light of emerging 3D printing technologies, doctors and their patients are generally restricted to using PEEK (thermoplastic polymer) or titanium materials. But one company out of Salt Lake City, Utah, called Amedica Corporation, has been focused on developing medical-grade silicon nitride, a biomaterial that is ‘osteopromotive’, anti-infective, and could even result in faster fusion than other material alternatives. Silicon nitride has been proven to be the optimal implant material for spinal and orthopedic-based operations, but up until now, could only be manufactured with traditional methods. Now, it seems that the Amedica’s R&D team has come a long way with their work, as they’ve just announced that, for the first time ever, their silicon nitride biomaterial can now be fabricated with 3D printing technology.
The Amedica team has used the unique process of robotic deposition (aka robocasting), an ink-based extrusion method, to created 3D structures from the silicon nitride. To confirm the integrity and validity of the material characteristics, the Amedica team examined the final printed products using scanning electron microscopy, which ultimately proved that the 3D printable silicon nitride matched both the theoretical density and microstructure attributes of traditionally manufactured silicon nitride fusion devices.
“This innovation speaks to the unique art and science related to our manufacturing strength,” said Dr. Sonny Bal, the Chairman and CEO of Amedica Corportation. “3D printing of a complex ceramic material opens future doors, especially in terms of cost advantages, and addressing a variety of OEM partner needs. Custom additive manufacturing is a modern advancement, and we are proud to lead the way in 3D printing of our silicon nitride formulation, with its advantages in bone fusion, antibacterial behavior, and superior strength.”
Robocasting is the ideal 3D printing process for working with this silicon nitride ceramic biomaterial, as there is no binding involved and production for devices can be completed within 24 hours time. With this newly developed method of manufacturing silicon nitride devices, Amedica can now move towards producing anatomically accurate implants and custom fabrication of bone scaffolds. The next step for Amedica is to commercialize their 3D printable silicon nitride biomaterial, which could someday replace titanium and PEEK material as the optimal choice for patient-specific implants.
