SILICON NITRIDE
THE IDEAL BIOMATERIAL
Since its inception, SINTX Technologies has been focused on medical-grade silicon nitride. SINTX’s FleX SN-MC2, FleX SN-CSC, FleX SN-PEEK, and FleX SN-AP products are biocompatible, bioactive, antipathogenic, and have shown superb bone affinity⁴. Connect with an engineer to learn more or to request a quote.
FROM POWDER TO PRODUCT
Powder to Product
BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS
Bacterial infection of any biomaterial implants is always a concern. FleX-SN is inherently resistant to bacterial colonization and biofilm formation, making it antibacterial ¹¹,¹². FleX-SN products can be polished to a smooth and wear-resistant surface for articulating applications, such as bearings for hip and knee replacements⁸,⁹,¹⁰. Because of their inherent resistance to bacterial adhesion¹¹, they are also suitable as dental implant material.
ANTIPATHOGENIC APPLICATIONS
Today, there is a global need to improve protection against pathogens in everyday life. SINTX believes that by incorporating its unique composition of FleX-SN AP (Silicon nitride antipathogenic powder) into products such as face masks and personal protective equipment, it is possible to manufacture surfaces that inactivate viral particles, thereby limiting the spread of the disease.
PROPETIES OF MEDICAL-GRADE SILICON NITRIDE
ENHANCED OSTEOPROMOTION
The surface chemistry and nanostructure topography of silicon nitride provide an optimal environment for the stimulation of osteoprogenitor cells to differentiate into osteoblasts¹.
ANTIPATHOGENIC PROPERTIES
Silicon nitride demonstrates significantly lower biofilm formation at 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours as compared to PEEK and titanium.
INCREASED PROTEIN ADSORPTION
Silicon nitride demonstrates significantly greater protein adsorption in comparison to PEEK and titanium. Proteins such as fibronectin, laminin, and vitronectin are key to the osteogenic process².
IMAGING COMPATIBILITY
Silicon nitride implants are radiolucent with clearly visible boundaries and produce no artifacts or scattering under CT and no distortion under MRI. This enables an exact view of the implant for precise intraoperative placement and postoperative fusion assessment⁷.
GREATER NEW BONE FORMATION
Silicon nitride implants demonstrate greater new bone formation at 3, 7, 14, and 90 days, and regenerated bone associated with silicon nitride implants is 2-3 times greater than PEEK and titanium implants three months after surgery⁸.
BACTERIAL RESISTANCE
ORTHOPEDIC APPLICATIONS OF SI₃N₄
SPINAL IMPLANTS
The surface chemistry and nanostructure topography of silicon nitride provide an optimal environment for the stimulation of osteoprogenitor cells to differentiate into osteoblasts¹.
DENTAL IMPLANTS
As a dental implant material, FleX-SN has been thoroughly tested to ISO 10993-01 standards and is highly biocompatible ⁵,¹³,¹⁴. Silicon nitride is metal-free, like all ceramics, and free of corrosion, galvanism, and electronic disturbances.
FOOT OSTEOTOMY & FUSION
Fusion foot osteotomy procedures are performed to address fractures, bunions, hammertoe, or flat foot conditions. In these procedures, bone is cut and reshaped to alleviate pain. Implant materials are used to facilitate bone fusion. Silicon nitride has the flexibility of a dense, porous, or combined architecture that can mimic the cortical-cancellous structure of bone¹⁸,²⁰.This characteristic combined with numerous other benefits, such as resistance to bacterial colonization²¹, make silicon nitride a strong consideration as an implant material in this application.
CRANIOMAXILLOFACIAL
When used in implants for CMF applications, FleX-SN has the potential to accelerate bone healing, eliminate metal toxicity, and enhance radiographic imaging. Because it’s antipathogenic ¹⁴,¹⁵,¹⁶,¹⁷, silicon nitride can also decrease infection rates and ease the health care burden associated with failed implants.
ARTHROPLASTY
WOUND CARE
WHY IS SILICON NITRIDE AN IDEAL MATERIAL FOR WOUND CARE?
Proper wound care is essential to the prevention of surgical site infections caused by MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) and VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci). Although several antimicrobial wound dressings exist today, each has shortcomings and evidence to confirm a standard of care method is lacking. FleX SN-AP holds tremendous potential in wound care because it has shown efficacy against a broad range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria¹⁹.SINTX is working with partners to provide continuous antimicrobial protection that prevents the proliferation of bacteria on and in the dressing.
ANTIPATHOGENIC APPLICATIONS OF SI₃N₄
SURGICAL GOWNS, DRAPES, AND CURTAINS
From surgical drapes to gowns to antimicrobial bedsheets to medical tools, we are working with our partners to revolutionize their product lines with FleX-SN AP. This will help minimize the chance for healthcare-associated infections, which account for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year in the U.S. alone²⁸.
FILTERS
Now more than ever, we understand the importance of air quality and disease control. SINTX is working with partners to develop air filters that reduce the spread of pathogens. With FleX-SN AP, cabin filters for cars and public transit could not just filter dust and allergens, but also filter and inactivate bacteria and viruses.
MASKS
Current antiviral mask technologies rely on copper, citric acid, or other materials that are effective for 4 hours or less²⁶, which limits their viability to short-term, one-time use. Given that SARS-CoV-2, the leading cause of COVID-19, has been shown to remain active on mask filter materials for up to 7 days²,²⁷, the prolonged use and reuse of masks and mask filters present a significant secondary exposure risk. FleX SN-AP has rapid antipathogenic activity against a broad range of bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 ¹,². It can help create a safe and effective consumer face mask with broad-spectrum antibacterial and antiviral activity.
CONSUMER PRODUCTS (HIGH TOUCH PRODUCTS)
There are a range of high-touch consumer products that could benefit from antipathogenic technology. In one recent report, it was discovered that cell phones typically carry "10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats"²⁹. The same is true for tablets, keyboards, and other IT devices. SINTX is working with several companies to develop new antipathogenic products. This technology could expand to a wide variety of other high-touch products used by consumers every day.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (HIGH TOUCH SURFACES)
Considering that 80% of bacteria are transmitted by hands and 76 out of 100 people either don't wash their hands at all or don't use soap², significant pathogens are lurking in public transportation systems. This would include taxis and rideshare vehicles, subways, airplanes, cruise lines, and even escalators and elevators. SINTX is developing technology that can be used to treat high-touch surfaces and reduce risk to the public.
PARTNER WITH SINTX
Work with us as an OEM partner to develop products utilizing our FleX-SN line of products. Our leading R&D and manufacturing teams can collaborate on specialized and niche application development for your company. SINTX can help you develop the most effective way to utilize FleX-SN for maximum efficacy and lowest cost for biomedical and antipathogenic OEM applications.