Nanocomposites as biomaterials

The high-performance thermoplastic polyetherether ketone (PEEK), in particular, has gained increasing importance in the medical technology sector. This material is characterized by high biocompatibility, good hydrolytic stability and high chemical resistance. Since the complexity of human tissue cannot be reproduced by a single material on its own, increasing importance has been placed for some years now on crossdisciplinary research between materials scientists, surgeons and biologists to develop functionalized surfaces, composites and artificially produced tissue. Through the combination of a thermoplastic and bioactive filler, the advantages of the two materials can be exploited to achieve better integration of the implant in the surrounding tissue without the need for additional surface treatment after implant production by injection molding. On account of the many tests required by legislation, a period of some 10 years must be allowed to develop a new material intended for this critical application.