Abstract
Addition of bioactive materials such as calcium phosphates or Bioglass, and incorporation of porosity into polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been identified as an effective approach to improve bone-implant interfaces and osseointegration of PEEK-based devices. In this paper, a novel production technique based on the extrusion freeforming method is proposed that yields a bioactive PEEK/hydroxyapatite (PEEK/HA) composite with a unique configuration in which the bioactive phase (i.e., HA) distribution is computer-controlled within a PEEK matrix. The 100% interconnectivity of the HA network in the biocomposite confers an advantage over alternative forms of other microstructural configurations. Moreover, the technique can be employed to produce porous PEEK structures with controlled pore size and distribution, facilitating greater cellular infiltration and biological integration of PEEK composites within patient tissue. The results of unconfined, uniaxial compressive tests on these new PEEK/HA biocomposites with 40% HA under both static and cyclic mode were promising, showing the composites possess yield and compressive strength within the range of human cortical bone suitable for load bearing applications. In addition, preliminary evidence supporting initial biological safety of the new technique developed is demonstrated in this paper. Sufficient cell attachment, sustained viability in contact with the sample over a seven-day period, evidence of cell bridging and matrix deposition all confirmed excellent biocompatibility.
Highlights
There has been a trend in recent years to develop polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-based medical devices due to PEEK’s excellent cell biocompatibility and desirable mechanical properties such as strength, and elastic modulus; comparable to cortical bone [1,2]
The results developed in this research could contribute to the future 4D printing of devices using PEEK-based shape memory polymers with enhanced bioactivities. 4D printing has been explored in recent years for variety of applications such as printing of enhanced smart nanocomposites, shape memory polymers, actuators for soft robotics, self-evolving structures, anti-counterfeiting system, active origami, and controlled sequential folding [66,67,68]
A new technique based on extrusion freeforming and compression molding was introduced for producing bioactive PEEK/HA composite and porous PEEK
Summary
There has been a trend in recent years to develop polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-based medical devices due to PEEK’s excellent cell biocompatibility and desirable mechanical properties such as strength, and elastic modulus; comparable to cortical bone [1,2]. Medical grade PEEK-OPTIMA has been developed to meet the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) requirements and has been used in multiple clinical applications including spinal cage fusion and crani-omaxillofacial reconstruction [3,4]. Recent study on nano-TiO2 /PEEK biocomposites [7] revealed that pseudopods of osteoblasts preferred to anchor at areas where nano-TiO2 was present on the surface. Surface modification has been used to enhance the mechanical and biological properties of PEEK [11,12,13,14].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
