relyon plasma offers portable cold plasma source

RELYON plasma GmbH, formerly known as Reinhausen plasma GmbH, has developed the Piezobrush PZ2 portable and user-friendly plasma device. Designed for use in the plasma functionalization of the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implant just before its insertion, the device helps to optimize conditions for binding with organic tissue and promotes the healing process.

The plasma functionalization process destroys any microorganisms present on the PEEK implant surface and also increases the implant’s surface energy (Photo: relyon plasma GmbH)

The wear-free plasma source Piezobrush PZ2 is integrated into a small, lightweight, portable handheld device and works under atmospheric pressure without the need for an external process gas. The plasma, which is ignited with atmospheric oxygen by a multilayer Piezo element, features a high level of activation efficacy. With the particle-free generated plasma, the implant can be functionalized directly in the operating room or at the chairside before insertion. This optimizes the positive effects of the plasma process while reducing the risk of recontaminating the implant.

The lightweight Piezobrush PZ2 is easy and safe to use by both patients and users. It has a low voltage of 12V. With implant functionalization occurring at a low temperature of about 45°C, treatment with the Piezobrush PZ2 does not thermally stress the plastic and keeps the implant dimensions stable. 

For processing dental implants, relyon plasma supplies an easy-to-operate desktop version as an alternative to the handheld device.

More producers are adopting high-performance plastic PEEK in manufacturing implants for various applications such as dental purposes. These implants are also used in orthopedics, especially in the region of the spinal column. 

PEEK’s mechanical properties, biocompatibility, biostability, X-ray transparency, and capacity to withstand sterilization make it an ideal material for such applications. Its modulus of elasticity is lower than titanium but higher than ceramics, making its values similar to those of natural bone tissue and enabling it to prevent the stress shielding effect. The rigidity of titanium and ceramics results in the implant absorbing most of the mechanical load. The bone is subjected to less stress and tends to start degenerating after a while. 

With PEEK, dental implants can be injection-molded, translating into lower manufacturing costs. Implants made from plastic, meanwhile, are inferior to their metal equivalents in terms of the healing process in the bone. During this time, the bone cells grow onto the surface of the implant and bind together. 

Plasma functionalization on the implant surfaces significantly improves ingrowth conditions. During the plasma process, any microorganisms present on the surface of the implant are destroyed. This helps reduce the risk of infection. 

In addition, the “precision-cleaned” surface improves the body’s tolerance for the foreign implant because of the greater surface energy of the plastic, so-called water wettability. The implant surface can be wetted better by substances produced naturally by the body such as blood and other fluids. This, in turn, aids and speeds up the healing process.