Ceramics with a Bioactive Surface
Bioceramics are materials used in medical devices. In particular, they are materials that interact directly or indirectly with living tissue for the purpose of repairing damage to the body.
Bioceramics are used in drug delivery and regenerative medicine, as well as for treatment via implantation into living organisms.
Among the known biomaterials, bioceramics have high biocompatibility. Through considerable research on bioceramics, Orbray has developed Bio-Zirconia, which adds a bioactive surface to zirconia, which is characterized by strength and workability.
Main Features of Orbray’s Bioceramics
1. Achieving Bioactivity
Zirconia, a type of oxide ceramic, has attracted attention as a next-generation biomaterial due to its chemical stability and excellent mechanical properties. However, zirconia’s lack of bioactivity limits its uses. To meet the need for a bioactive material with zirconia’s advantages,
Orbray has developed Bio-Zirconia using a proprietary process that gives the material bioactivity while maintaining or improving its strength.
Our new material is characterized by high bio-reinforcement properties and the ability to bond with bone. Unlike conventional bioceramics, our Bio-Zirconia can produce a biochemical response similar to the body’s ability to integrate living bone.
2. Needs a Porous Surface
Orbray’s Bio-Zirconia achieves bioactivity through a porous coating,with bioactivity extending into the pore walls. Tests done using simulated body fluid have confirmed that the material has good bioactivity deep into its pores.
3. Needs Strength and Durability
Orbray’s many years of experience with zirconia as a bioceramic and its expertise in materials processing have resulted in our innovative Bio-Zirconia.
Zirconia is one of the strongest and toughest ceramics. It has high resistance to chipping, excellent durability, and high mechanical strength.
It can therefore be used in parts of the body that carry significant weight or endure high impact.
Physical Property of Bio-Zirconia
| MATERIAL PROPERTIES | Bio-Zirconia |
|---|---|
| Bulk Density | 6.05g/㎠ |
| Bending Strength | 1000MPa |
| Hardness | 1300Hv |
| Young's Modulus | 200GPa |
| Fracture Toughness | 4.1Mpa・m1/2 |
| CET | 8×10-6/℃(RT) |
Examples of bioceramic applications
Thanks to the innovative features described above, Orbray’s Bio-Zirconia can be used in a wide range of applications, such as the following:
- Artificial joints used to treat osteoarthritis of the hip, necrosis of the femoral head, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
- Dental implants and prosthetics
- Artificial bones
- Artificial hearts, colostomies, and other medical devices
- Regenerative medicine
To learn more about Orbray’s bioceramics, please contact us using the form below.
