Evonik releases free-flowing bioresorbable powder for 3D printed implantable medical devices

Available in powder form, Evonik releases a bioresorbable polymer for the 3D printing of implantable medical devices on Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) equipment.

Named RESOMER® PrintPowder, the biomaterials specialist claims to be the first to commercialize such type of material. It has been developed within the Nutrition & Care segment of Evonik, a segment that serves more than 1,000 pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and medical device customers worldwide.

The free-flowing powder would integrate tight specifications and an optimized particle size distribution for efficient processability. It will also allow the supply of ISO 13485-certified formulations for development and commercial use.

Orthopaedic, dental and soft tissue application areas

Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) plates, spinal fusion cages, scaffolds for soft tissue repair and dental mesh are a few examples of implantable products that can be manufactured using this material. Furthermore, the 3D printed products fabricated with this material would deliver strength and durability properties, not to mention the ability to prevent stress shielding.

Next to the commercialization, the German company can also support customers in the 3D printing of feasibility samples on its own SLS equipment, as well as providing other associated testing, analysis, characterization and regulatory services.

“The free-flowing processability of RESOMER® PrintPowder will, for the first time, allow medical device companies to utilize SLS 3D printing technologies to create complex bioresorbable implants with precisely tailored mechanical properties,” said Dr. Jean-Luc Herbeaux, SVP and General Manager of the Health Care business line. “With the launch of RESOMER® PrintPowder, Evonik becomes the first commercial GMP supplier of bioresorbable polymers with a complete portfolio of powders, filaments and granules suitable for use with all core 3D printing technologies.”

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