Implantable Polymer Solutions
Foster, LLC serves the medical market by specializing in polymer materials for critical applications, including FDA Class II and Class III devices. Class III implantable devices require special attention from a material and compounding standpoint. Foster has the infrastructure, capabilities, knowledge, and experience to work effectively with these types of applications. Our capabilities cover both durable and non-durable implantable polymers. Through custom compounding and distribution (Foster SCS), we supply a full range of high-performance materials, underscoring our commitment to the stringent standards of the medical implantable market.
Choosing Implantable Polymers
Implantable polymers are categorized based on anticipated duration in the body, which can range from short-term (less than 30 days), long-term (greater than 30 days), to permanent.
- Short-Term Implantable Polymers: Non-durable, implantable materials such as Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Polyamides (Nylon & PEBA), and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), intended for limited use inside the body (less than 30 days).
- Durable Implantable Polymers: Long-term, non-resorbable implantable materials such as PEEK, PEKK, Sulfones, TPU, silicones, and other durable materials are designed to remain functional in the body for extended periods (more than 30 days) or permanently.
- Non-Durable (Bioresorbable) Implantable Polymers: Polymers metabolized by the human body after implantation, such as PLA, PGA, PLGA, and PCL, can be precisely tailored to meet specific mechanical performance and controlled resorption rates.
Enhancing Implantable Polymers with Biomedical Additives
Implantable polymers can be significantly enhanced to improve application performance using biomedical additives that provide necessary functionality, such as visibility under imaging or the ability to stimulate bone growth.
- Bone Mineral: Phase pure β Tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is an osteoconductive and biocompatible additive that can be melt blended with bioresorbable polymers, such as PLA for the stimulation of bone growth. Alternatively, hydroxyapatite (HA) may also be blended with bioresorbable polymers (PLLA) for biphasic applications, including interference screws used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
- Radiopaque Fillers: Polymers are inherently transparent to X-ray imaging and require specific additives to achieve visibility. Radiopaque filler selection depends on end application and intended implantation time.
- Colorants: Our biocompatible colorants are designed for implantable devices, providing safe, stable, and customizable solutions for device identification, differentiation, and visibility without compromising material performance.
Capabilities for Total Product Confidence
Gain complete confidence in your supply chain and material quality with Foster’s unique capabilities. With specialized facilities featuring isolation rooms, clean rooms, and white rooms for implantable device production, strategic U.S. logistics, expert color matching, and a structured five-phase development process, we ensure unmatched reliability and compliance.
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