Advanced Biomaterial Systems Selects TOPAS® COC in Biomaterial Delivery Device to Gain Clarity, Chemical Resistance

Florence, Ky., January 26, 2007 – Advanced Biomaterial Systems uses TOPAS® cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) from TOPAS Advanced Polymers for the mixing chamber and syringe in its Plexis™ Bone Void Filling System, used by surgeons to mix and deliver biomaterials during skeletal-related procedures. The COC was selected for its clarity, chemical resistance, dimensional stability and ability to withstand gamma sterilization.

TOPAS® COC was selected over such clear resins as polycarbonate, polystyrene and acrylic because it does not react with certain biomaterials. The polymer holds accurate dimensions during molding and in use to retain the tight tolerance needed between the mixing chamber and the paddles. The mixing chamber, which is a cylinder approximately 2 inches in diameter and 4 inches long, is part of a hand-operated mixer that prepares and delivers the company's proprietary biomaterials, including its Concert® Cranioplast material.

The Plexis™ syringe body, which is attached to the mixing chamber, is 3 in. long and 0.75 in. in diameter. It is molded with just 0.0625° draft per side, so the plunger forms a tight seal as it moves, and is printed with milliliter markings after processing. The syringe has a molded-in Luer fitting for a delivery tube and cannula that carries the cement to the point of application.

"TOPAS's glass-like clarity allows surgeons to see when the biomaterial is fully mixed and to gauge the amount of biomaterial delivered to the site," says John Carr, Chief Operating Officer of Advanced Biomaterials Systems. "The resin withstands pressures in the syringe that can approach 1,200 psi as the plunger moves the biomaterial down the syringe and through the cannula. It also has the USP Class VI certification we need in a delivery system that will not react with the biomaterial."

The Plexis™ system is sold as a sterile product that mixes and delivers biomaterials, including PMMA bone cement used to stabilize fractures and fill areas of bone loss. Plexis™ mixes and delivers biomaterials in the same unit, which eliminates the need for separate syringes, bowls, tubes or injectors.

For more information
For information on TOPAS® COC for use in biomedical and other applications, contact TOPAS Advanced Polymers, Inc., 8040 Dixie Highway, Florence, Kentucky 41042, USA. Phone: +1 (859) 746-6447. Email: info@topas.com. Or visit www.topas-us.com/healthcare.

For information about Advanced Biomaterial Systems' products, contact: Advanced Biomaterial Systems, Inc., 100 Passaic Avenue, Chatham, NJ 07928, USA. Phone: +1 (973) 635-9040. E-mail: pvansyckle@advbiomat.com. Or visit: www.advbiomat.com

For more information on TOPAS® medical plastic for Healthcare, click the links above or see our Medical Brochure.

US, Canada, Mexico:
Phone:  +1 (859) 746-6447 x4400
eMail:    info@topas.com

Europe & South America:
Phone: +49 (0) 1805-1-TOPAS*
Phone: +49 (0) 1805-1-86727*
eMail:    info@topas.com
0,14€/minute (net provider: T-Com)

Asia:
Polyplastics Co., Ltd.
Phone:  +81-3 6711 8615
eMail: topas.info@polyplastics.com