Evonik Venture Capital (https://venturing.evonik.com), part of German chemicals and plastics producer Evonik (Essen; www.evonik.com) has invested in US medical device start-up, CircumFix Solutions (Piperton, Tennessee; www.circumfix.com), to supply an implant grade polyether ether ketone (PEEK) for a new orthopaedic device.

The high performance Vestakeep PEEK grade is used in CircumFix Solutions’ new implantable sternal closure device as an alternative to titanium and stainless steel. The PEEK material is biocompatible and bioinert, hence it is not harmful or toxic to living tissue and does not initiate a response from the body. The material is also hydrophobic – repelling water and significantly reducing the chances of an infection.

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The Vestakeep grade makes the medical device transparent to X-rays and post-surgical diagnostics. Evonik says the investment allows the company to reach US clinical experts in orthopaedics and builds its expertise in implant grade high performance polymers.