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Abstract
BackgroundPolyetheretherketone (PEEK) exhibits stable chemical properties, excellent biocompatibility, and rational mechanical properties that are similar to those of human cortical bone, but the lack of bioactivity impedes its clinical application.MethodsIn this study, hydroxyapatite (HA) was incorporated into PEEK to fabricate HA/PEEK biocomposite using a compounding and injection-molding technique. The tensile properties of the prepared HA/PEEK composites (HA content from 0 to 40 wt%) were tested to choose an optimal HA content. To evaluate the bioactivity of the composite, the cell attachment, proliferation, spreading and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of MC3T3-E1 cells, and apatite formation after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), and osseointegration in a rabbit cranial defect model were investigated. The results were compared to those from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and pure PEEK.ResultsBy evaluating the tensile properties and elastic moduli of PEEK composite samples/PEEK composites with different HA contents, the 30 wt% HA/PEEK composite was chosen for use in the subsequent tests. The results of the cell tests demonstrated that PEEK composite samples/PEEK composite exhibited better cell attachment, proliferation, spreading, and higher ALP activity than those of UHMWPE and pure PEEK. Apatite islands formed on the HA/PEEK composite after immersion in SBF for 7 days and grew continuously with longer time periods. Animal tests indicated that bone contact and new bone formation around the HA/PEEK composite were more obvious than those around UHMWPE and pure PEEK.ConclusionsThe HA/PEEK biocomposite created by a compounding and injection-molding technique exhibited enhanced osteogenesis and could be used as a candidate of orthopedic implants.
Highlights
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) exhibits stable chemical properties, excellent biocompatibility, and rational mechanical properties that are similar to those of human cortical bone, but the lack of bioactivity impedes its clinical application
In comparison with PEEK, the elastic moduli of the HA/PEEK composites with HA contents of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% increased by approximately 86%, 141%, 241%, and 468%, respectively
By evaluating the tensile properties and elastic moduli of the HA/PEEK composites with different HA contents, a HA content of 30 wt% was chosen as an optimal HA content
Summary
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) exhibits stable chemical properties, excellent biocompatibility, and rational mechanical properties that are similar to those of human cortical bone, but the lack of bioactivity impedes its clinical application. Polyaryletherketones (PAEKs) are a family of high-temperature thermoplastic polymers. The chemical structure of the aromatic backbone molecular chains of PEEK confers exceptionally good chemical resistance and stability at high temperature or in the sterilization process [2]. PEEK is biocompatible, wear-resistant, and radiolucent [3], and the mechanical properties of PEEK are similar to those of human cortical bone, which prevents the stress-shielding effect that is frequently caused by metal implants [4]. Synthetic HA material is biocompatible and bioactive and clinically used as an important bone substitute [7].
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