Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) disks with hydrophilic and bioactive surface properties were prepared by covalent immobilization of collagen (Col) or insulin (In) on poly-dopamine (D)-coated PEEK samples using WSC (water soluble carbodiimide) as an activating agent. The poly-dopamine on the PEEK disk was coated by carrying out self-assembled polymerization of the dopamine neurotransmitter in a basic medium at pH 8.5. The poly-dopamine coating of the PEEK surface facilitated the deposition of a uniform layer of aligned molecules of collagen, which increased the bioactivity of the PEEK surfaces allowing for adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells in a minimum essential medium in the presence of 5% CO2 at 37 °C. The collagen-modified PEEK surface had higher bioactivity for MC3T3-E1 cells, compared to the self-assembled poly-dopamine coated PEEK surface or pristine PEEK alone. Alkaline phosphatase, von Kossa, and Alizarin red staining of MC3T3-E1 cells cultured on a collagen-modified PEEK surface, were all found to be increased compared to staining of cells cultured on other PEEK surfaces. The self-assembled polymerization of dopamine on a PEEK surface was found to be useful for the immobilization of proteins such as collagen and insulin. Thus, collagen-and insulinimmobilized PEEK provide an opportunity to enhance the bioactivity of the PEEK samples allowing for better cells adhesion and tissue integration for potential use in tissue implants.
Read full abstract