The Haryana State Council for Science, Innovation, and Technology has awarded a grant of ₹35 lakh for a pioneering research project titled “Process Parameters Optimization of Medical Grade PEEK Material Utilized for Fabrication of Craniomaxillofacial Prosthesis Using Hybrid Algorithms to Investigate the Mechanical Properties” for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
PEEK, or Poly-Ether Ether Ketone, is emerging as a transformative material in dental and maxillofacial prosthetics due to its advanced 3D-printability through fused deposition modeling. This capability allows for the precise creation of complex anatomical shapes, including prototypes for pre-surgery planning and testing.
Dr. Deepak Chhabra, Principal Investigator of the project and Associate Professor at the University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, explained, “The project focuses on replacing traditional titanium with PEEK for dental implants and craniomaxillofacial prosthetics. PEEK has been identified as a viable alternative due to its similar osteo-conductive properties and elastic modulus comparable to human bone.”
PEEK’s advantages include its ability to reduce surgery time and associated risks, while also facilitating faster patient recovery. The material’s versatility extends to the creation of custom, digitally designed implants that enhance clinical efficacy in addressing cranial defects.
Dr. Virendra Singh, Co-Principal Investigator and Senior Professor and Head of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at PGIDS, Rohtak, highlighted that “Patient-specific implants made from PEEK demonstrate superior clinical outcomes in restoring cranial shapes.”
The researchers also note that PEEK is suitable for fabricating lumbar cages, rods, and screws for spinal implants, offering strength and stability while ensuring bone fusion.
The ongoing project aims to streamline material and equipment use, potentially setting a new standard in the field of cranio-maxillofacial and dental implant technology.
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