In the dynamic world of medical technology, groundbreaking innovations often go unnoticed. However, thanks to Doctech.live‘s coverage at the North American Spine Society (NASS) 2023 conference in Los Angeles, one such revolutionary company, Orthobond Corporation, is finally receiving the attention it deserves. Orthobond has developed an antimicrobial nanosurface technology that has far-reaching applications. This interview with Jordan Katz, the Vice President of Research & Development at Orthobond Corporation, provides an insight into their remarkable journey.
Orthobond Corporation: Pioneering Antimicrobial Technology
Orthobond Corporation is an antimicrobial technology company that has harnessed the power of nanoscale surface modifications. Their proprietary technology allows them to create surfaces that can permanently kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, all without the use of antibiotics or eluting chemicals. This achievement has significant implications for various industries, including medical devices, commercial, industrial, automotive, and more.
Ostaguard™
One of Orthobond’s standout products is Ostaguard™, a proprietary antimicrobial treatment that can be applied to any existing implantable device. Ostaguard™ provides effective protection against the microbes responsible for a majority of orthopedic device-related complications. The potential impact of Orthobond’s technology on global health and safety is immense, as it can be applied to an array of surfaces, from medical devices to everyday products like handrails in train stations.
FDA Clearance and Commercialization
Orthobond Corporation is on the cusp of achieving a significant milestone—FDA clearance for their antimicrobial nanosurfaces. Recent funding from influential investors will facilitate the commercialization of this groundbreaking technology across various product categories, ranging from commercial and industrial to textiles and automotive. The company’s CEO, David Nichols, emphasized their commitment to creating safe, covalently bound nanosurfaces that effectively combat pathogens.
The Science Behind Orthobond’s Antimicrobial Technology
Orthobond’s antimicrobial technology operates on a fundamentally innovative premise. They modify surfaces at the nanoscale by performing covalent permanent chemistry on oxide layers. This modification introduces a high density of positive charges on the surface. Since bacteria typically have a net negative charge, they are drawn to Orthobond’s surface. Once in proximity, mechanical mechanisms of action tear apart the bacterial cell membrane, providing rapid and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
A Decade of Dedication
Orthobond’s journey to develop this groundbreaking technology spanned over a decade, with three distinct phases. The initial phase involved finding a way to kill bacteria on surfaces without introducing metal ions or antimicrobials into the body. Thousands of technologies and combinations were tested before a viable solution was discovered. The subsequent years focused on generating safety and efficacy data to support FDA submissions. The final phase involved presenting data, discussing it with the FDA, and navigating the review process.
Expanding Beyond Spine
While their debut at NASS 2023 is centered around spine applications, Orthobond’s vision extends far beyond this realm. As a material science company, they are exploring partnerships and applications in areas such as orthopedic oncology, neurostimulation, cardiovascular, dental, and even cosmetic and plastic surgery. Their technology has the potential to address bacterial contamination challenges across various medical fields.
Conclusion
Orthobond Corporation’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation in the medical technology sector. With their groundbreaking antimicrobial nanosurface technology, they are poised to make a global impact by safeguarding lives and economies from harmful pathogens. As they work toward FDA clearance and expand into multiple product categories, Orthobond is set to revolutionize the way we approach antimicrobial protection in healthcare and beyond. NASS 2023 provided the perfect platform for the world to witness the birth of this game-changing technology.
