BONELAB™

PEEK-BCP is an advanced biomaterial engineered to meet the demanding requirements of personalized bone implants. By combining the high-performance polymer PEEK with biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), this composite offers a unique balance of mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and osteoconductivity. Key advantages include:

• Radiolucency: Unlike metallic implants, PEEK-BCP is radiolucent, allowing for clear post-operative imaging without interference. This facilitates accurate monitoring of bone healing and implant integration using standard radiographic techniques. (1) (6)
• Bone-like Mechanical Properties: The modulus of elasticity of PEEK-BCP closely matches that of cortical bone, reducing stress shielding and promoting more natural load transfer. This mechanical compatibility supports long-term implant stability and patient comfort. (1) (7)
• Enhanced Osseointegration: The incorporation of biphasic calcium phosphate significantly improves the material’s osteoconductive properties, encouraging bone cell attachment and growth. This leads to faster and more reliable integration of the implant with surrounding bone tissue. (1) (8)
• Osteoconductive Surface Chemistry: The BCP component provides a bioactive surface that promotes bone cell adhesion and proliferation, potentially accelerating healing and fusion.(1) (9)
• Intraoperative Modifiability: PEEK-BCP implants can be shaped or adjusted during surgery using standard orthopedic tools. This flexibility allows surgeons to fine-tune the fit and geometry of the implant in real-time, improving surgical outcomes and reducing the need for preoperative compromises. 

These features make PEEK-BCP an ideal choice for custom implants in complex bone reconstruction and fusion procedures, offering both clinical performance and surgical versatility.

References: 

(1)https://www.evonik.com/en/markets/market_1345345/vestakeep-peek-for-medical-devices/vestakeep-fusion.html

(6)  PEEK Biomaterials in Trauma, Orthopedic, and Spinal Implants, S M Kurzt, 1,2, *, J N Devine 3

(7)  Elastic modulus in the selection of interbody implants

Robert F Heary 1,✉, Naresh Parvathreddy 1, Sujitha Sampath 1, Nitin Agarwal 1 

(8) 3D-printed porous polyether-ether-ketone composite scaffolds for better osteogenic activity

Hao Wu 1, Zhenming Li 1, Weidong Jiang, Kaili Lin, Cancan Zhao, Xudong Wang 

(9) The role of calcium phosphate surface structure in ostegenesis and the mechanisms involved

Dongqin Xiao a b 1, Jingwei Zhang b 1, Chengdong Zhang a, Davide Barbieri c, Huipin Yuan b, Lorenzo Moroni b, Gang Feng a
 

Traditional metallic implants (titanium, stainless steel, Co–Cr) are effective but can corrode, release ions, trigger hypersensitivity, and support biofilm formation. The FDA’s 2019 report “Biological Responses to Metal Implants” highlights these concerns, linking corrosion and ion release to local inflammation and systemic effects. Metal-free materials like PEEK and PEEK-BCP avoid these risks by being chemically stable, nonallergenic, and less prone to bacterial colonization, while offering mechanical and imaging advantages. 

• No corrosion or ion release: Metal implants (e.g., titanium alloys, stainless steel, Co–Cr) can undergo corrosion and tribocorrosion, releasing ions such as Ni, Co, and Cr into surrounding tissue and systemic circulation. This release has been associated with local osteolysis, chronic inflammation, and long-term implant complications. In contrast, PEEK-based implants are chemically inert polymers that do not corrode or release metallic ions. (2) (3)

• Reduced metal allergy risk: Metal hypersensitivity, particularly to nickel, cobalt, and chromium, is a recognized issue in orthopedic implants. It can manifest as dermatitis, persistent local inflammation, unexplained pain, or even implant loosening/failure in susceptible patients. A fully metal-free implant like PEEK removes the source of allergenic metal ions, eliminating this risk. (2) (4)

• Reduced biofilm formation: Metallic surfaces such as titanium and stainless steel can promote bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, which are resistant to antibiotics and represent a major cause of implant-associated infections. PEEK has been shown in comparative studies to exhibit lower bacterial colonization. When modified with bioactive fillers such as biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), PEEK may further discourage biofilm persistence by supporting host bone ongrowth. (2) (5)

References:

(1)https://www.evonik.com/en/markets/market_1345345/vestakeep-peek-for-medical-devices/vestakeep-fusion.html

(2) FDA, Biological Responses to Metal Implants, Sept 2019

(3) Hallab NJ et al., J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2001;83(3):428–436

(4) Sicilia A et al., J Clin Periodontol. 2008;35(3):199–207

(5) Gbejuade HO et al., Injury. 2015;46(3):S3–S14