Polyetheretherketone Surface Research Articles

Enhancing Immunomodulation and Osseointegration of Bone Implants via Thrombin-Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Self-Assembly.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is characterized by elevated concentrations of growth factors that facilitate bone repair. Nonetheless, the effective integration of PRP with bone implants and the sustained release of its active constituents pose significant challenges. In this study, thrombin is grafted onto the surface of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) via an N,N'-Disuccinimidyl Carbonate (DSC) linker and the retained enzymatic activity of thrombin enables the controlled activation of PRP self-assembly, resulting in the formation of a functional bio-gel layer. The optimal thrombin concentration to be 100 U/ mL-1 is determined, at which point both the grafting amount and enzymatic activity of thrombin reaches their peak, with no further increases observed at higher concentrations. PRP solutions with varying platelet enrichment ratios are subsequently activated on the thrombin-grafted PEEK surface, yielding self-assembled bio-gels capable of sustained growth factor release for up to 16 days. The thrombin-activated PRP bio-gel on PEEK surface not only enhances in vitro cell adhesion, proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, vascularization and specific polarization of macrophages, but also effectively facilitates in vivo angiogenesis, immunomodulation and bone formation in a platelet dose-dependent manner. Consequently, the thrombin-activated PRP gel presents a promising strategy for the biological functionalization of PEEK implants in orthopedic applications.

Dose-dependent enhancement of in vitro osteogenic activity on strontium-decorated polyetheretherketone

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is widely used in orthopedic and dental implants due to its excellent mechanical properties, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. However, its inherently bioinert nature makes it present weak osteogenic activity, which greatly restricts its clinical adoption. Herein, strontium (Sr) is incorporated onto the surface of PEEK using mussel-inspired polydopamine coating to improve its osteogenic activity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ion release assay results confirm that different concentrations of Sr are incorporated onto the PEEK substrate surfaces. The strontium-modified PEEK samples show a stable Sr ion release in 35 days of detection. Better results of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts adhesion, spreading, and proliferation can be observed in strontium-modified PEEK groups, which demonstrates strontium-modified PEEK samples with the improved MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts compatibility. The boosted osteogenic activity of strontium-modified PEEK samples has been demonstrated by the better performed of ALP activity, extracellular matrix mineralization, collagen secretion, and the remarkable up-regulation of ALP, OCN, OPN, Runx2, Col-I, BSP, and OSX of the MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. Additionally, the strontium-modified PEEK samples exhibit a dose-dependent enhancement of osteoblasts compatibility and osteogenic activity, and the PEEK-Sr10 group shows the best. These findings indicate that strontium-decorated PEEK implants show promising application in orthopedic and dental implants.

Friction Performance of Three-Dimension Printed PEEK for Journal Bearing Application Under Grease Lubrication

Abstract Additive manufacturing revolutionizes component and part creation, offering unmatched flexibility and reducing production time. This innovation, especially significant with semicrystalline polymers like polyetheretherketone (PEEK) at high temperatures, expands applications, including sleeves and bushes. PEEK's mechanical and tribological properties make it an attractive long-term metal replacement. However, the 3D printed PEEK surface is pivotal, and the surface structure depends on infill density, which influences its response to sliding conditions, such as speed, load, and test duration. The PEEK structure's surface patterns facilitate lubricant accommodation, particularly during boundary lubrication tests, affecting the formation of a transfer layer. Surface properties directly impact friction in 3D printed PEEK against the counterbody. Lubrication decreases friction coefficients compared to dry conditions. Wear tests show that 3D printed PEEK parts outperform extruded rod samples, displaying superior wear resistance. Surface texture and properties directly affect contact characteristics and lubricant storage. In journal bearings, varying infill percentages create surface voids, efficiently accommodating polyalphaolefin (PAO)-based grease in PEEK-based applications where oil is not preferred for sliding operations.

Regulated Magnesium Ion Release From Polydopamine‐Mg Modified Polyetheretherketone Surface for Improved Anti‐Infection and Osseointegration Properties

ABSTRACTPolyetheretherketone (PEEK) emerges as a highly promising biopolymer due to its mechanical properties and elastic modulus akin to those of human cortical bone. Despite these advantages, the clinical utilization of PEEK is often hindered by its limited bioactivity and suboptimal capability for bone integration. Herein, we introduce a facile and expeditious method for enhancing the osseointegration efficacy of PEEK substrates by depositing polydopamine (PDA) chelated with magnesium ions at varying concentrations (0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 M) as a surface coating (PDA‐Mg). This PDA‐Mg‐modified PEEK surface exhibits distinctive properties, including antibacterial properties (antibacterial rate of 93.267%), improved vascular regeneration, and osteogenic promotion (ALP activity increased by 239.5%). Moreover, the Mg2+ ions are released in a regulated way, and the impact of Mg2+ concentration on the aforementioned properties has been thoroughly examined. Our study demonstrates that PDA‐Mg‐modified PEEK offers a highly promising prospect for clinical applications. Specifically, these implants stand out as exceptional candidates for bone graft materials, with the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and accelerate recovery processes.

Advantages and feasibility of prefabricated PEEK crowns for aesthetic restoration in primary teeth

Objectives The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) as a material for prefabricated crown restorations in pediatric dentistry, particularly for restoring primary tooth structure defects. Materials and methods This study analyzed the effects of three surface treatment modalities on PEEK’s surface morphology, wettability (as measured by contact angle), and shear bond strength. These treatments included alumina (Al2O3) sandblasting alone, and in conjunction with a 98% sulfuric acid pretreatment. Subsequently, an evaluation was conducted to assess the compressive and fatigue properties of self-fabricated PEEK preformed crowns, preformed metal crowns, and preformed zirconia crowns. Results Al2O3 sandblasting followed by sulfuric acid pretreatment significantly enhanced the bond strength of PEEK. PEEK crowns, when compared with stainless steel and zirconia crowns, showed similar compressive and fatigue strengths to zirconia crowns but lower than metal alternatives. Additionally, PEEK crowns required less extensive modification of dental abutments compared to zirconia crowns. Conclusions The study concludes that PEEK prefabricated crown, especially after alumina (Al2O3) sandblasting in conjunction with a 98% sulfuric acid pretreatment, exhibits improved bond strength and favorable material characteristics for use in pediatric dental restorations. Clinical relevance The findings highlight the potential of PEEK prefabricated crowns in pediatric dentistry as a viable option for the aesthetic restoration of primary teeth, offering benefits over traditional materials like stainless steel and zirconia in terms of preferable compressive and fatigue strengths and ideal reduction of dental abutments.

Investigations of the Interface Design of Polyetheretherketone Filament Yarn Considering Plasma Torch Treatment

Taking advantage of its high-temperature resistance and elongation properties, conductive-coated polyetheretherketone (PEEK) filament yarn can be used as a textile-based electroconductive functional element, in particular as a strain sensor. This study describes the development of electrical conductivity on an inert PEEK filament surface by the deposition of metallic nickel (Ni) layers via an electroless galvanic plating process. To enhance the adhesion properties of the nickel layer, both PEEK multifilament and monofilament yarn surfaces were metalized by plasma torch pretreatment, followed by nickel plating. Electrical characterizations indicate the potential of nickel-coated PEEK for structural monitoring in textile-reinforced composites. In addition, surface energy measurements before and after plasma torch pretreatment, surface morphology, nickel layer thickness, chemical structure changes, and mechanical properties were analyzed and compared with untreated PEEK. The thickness of the Ni layer was measured and showed an average thickness of 1.25 µm for the multifilament yarn and 3.36 µm for the monofilament yarn. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of new functional groups on the PEEK surface after plasma torch pretreatment, indicating a successful modification of the surface chemistry. Mechanical testing showed an increase in tensile strength after plasma torch pretreatment but a decrease after nickel plating. In conclusion, this study successfully developed conductive PEEK yarns through plasma torch pretreatment and nickel plating.

“Janus” PEEK implant with sandwich Mg-containing coating for infected tissue repair

Having good antibacterial properties and promoting soft and hard tissue repair are the keys to successful implantation of intraosseous transcutaneous. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a class of FDA-approved polymer implants. However, the surface of PEEK is bioinert, which is easy to cause postoperative infection and poor tissue integration. In this study, polypyrrole (Ppy) was polymerized on sulfonated PEEK, Mg3(PO4)2 nanosheets were grown in situ on one side, and polycaprolactone (PCL) was then spun on the surface to form a Janus-like surface on PEEK. The Ppy/Mg3(PO4)2/PCL composite coating could inhibit bacterial adhesion, and the excellent photothermal properties of Ppy/Mg3(PO4)2/PCL and Ppy coatings further promote the removal of bacteria due to the accumulated heat. After the infection was eliminated, the Janus-like surface of modified PEEK switched macrophages to anti-proinflammatory response and promoted both soft and hard tissue repair. The Ppy modified sulfonated PEEK could promote collagen secretion in the soft tissue, while the PCL films on Ppy/Mg3(PO4)2/PCL was densified by temperature response under near-infrared light treatment to close the exposed interface of Mg3(PO4)2 nanosheets that was more conducive to bone repair. In summary, PEEK with Janus-like surface consisting of Ppy/Mg3(PO4)2/PCL and Ppy has multiple biological functions of sequential antibacterial and soft and hard tissue repair, and is a promising candidate material for intraosseous transcutaneous implants.

A novel multifunctional PEEK internal fixation plate regulated by Gentamicin/chitosan coating

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been broadly used in orthopedic implant devices. Nevertheless, the bioinert tended to cause implant loosening and bacterial infection in orthopedic and trauma surgery. In this study, a drug-laden chitosan coating (CS) was constructed and deposited on the porous surface of PEEK (CG-SPEEK) internal fixation plate for multi-functionalization. The physical characterizations of CG-SPEEK were further investigated in the morphology, hydrophilicity, surface energy, roughness, drug release and mechanical properties. CG-SPEEK exhibited excellent antibacterial capabilities in both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli compared to other groups. Besides, BMSCs cells showed better biocompatibility and certain osteogenic activity on composite coating in vitro. Furthermore, CG-SPEEK promoted bone regeneration to some extent and express certain effect against infections in vivo study. Overall, combining personalized design and modification is an innovative strategy to realized functionalization, which may have a strong potential in clinical application.

Additive manufacturing and in vitro study of biological characteristics of sulfonated polyetheretherketone-bioactive glass porous bone scaffolds

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a high-performance special engineering plastic, has gradually been used in bone substitutes due to its wear resistance, acid and alkali resistance, non-toxicity, radiolucency, and modulus close to that of human bone. However, its stable biphenyl structure determines strong biological inertness, thus artificial interventions are required to improve the biological activity of fabricated PEEK parts for better clinical applications. This study developed a novel strategy for grafting bioactive glass (BAG) onto the surface of PEEK through sulfonation reaction with concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4), aiming to improve the bioactivity of printed porous bone scaffolds manufactured by fused deposition modeling (FDM) to meet clinical individual needs. In vitro biological study was conducted on sulfonated polyetheretherketone-bioactive glass (SPEEK-BAG) scaffolds obtained by this strategy. The results demonstrated that the optimal modification condition was a 4-hour sulfonation reaction with 1 mol/L concentrated H2SO4 at high temperature and high pressure. The scaffold obtained under this condition showed minimal cytotoxicity, and the Ca/P molar ratio, yield compressive strength, and compressive modulus of this scaffold were 2.94 ± 0.02, 62.78 MPa, and 0.186 GPa respectively. The hydrophilicity and the biomineralization ability of PEEK modified by the proposed strategy were substantially improved. The SPEEK-BAG bone scaffolds exhibited excellent biocompatible properties, suggesting that the sulfonation reaction and BAG effectively enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. The presented method provides an innovative, highly effective, and customized strategy to improve the biocompatibility and bone repair ability of printed PEEK bone scaffolds for virous biomedical applications.

Understanding the deposition of multilayered hydroxyapatite-bioactive glass/hydroxyapatite/titanium dioxide coatings on PEEK substrates by plasma spray

Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is a polymeric material that is often used in biomedical applications due to its excellent mechanical properties and radiolucency; this material is, in general, biologically inert. In recent decades, thermally sprayed biocompatible coatings have been widely employed in metallic implants to improve the osseointegration process in the human body. Thus, not surprisingly, thermally sprayed biocompatible coatings can be envisaged as an excellent alternative to improve the material's surface properties. However, there is little information in the literature about the deposition of thermally sprayed bioactive coatings on polymeric substrates. In the present study, a titanium dioxide (TiO2) powder was plasma-sprayed on PEEK substrates acting as a bond coat to further deposition of hydroxyapatite (HA)/bioactive glass multilayered coatings. The design of experiments methodology was employed to produce coatings with tailored properties. A key aspect in this work is how the experiments were carried out to understand the effect of powder features, such as chemical composition, on the deposition of the ceramic coatings on the PEEK substrate. Heating/cooling physical laws were employed to discuss the results obtained. The methodology employed in this work allowed to deposit a multilayered coating with adhesion strength of about 50 MPa on PEEK substrates measured using scratch test. The coatings' structural, morphological, chemical, thermal, and mechanical evaluation was performed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and micro indentation test, respectively. In-vitro tests were also performed on these coatings under static simulated conditions. The results show that the PEEK's surface can be successfully functionalized, turning it from showing an inert behavior to displaying bioactivity by applying a HA-based bilayer or multilayered coating.

Fabrication of a macro-micro porous structure on PEEK surface by ultrasound-assisted sulfonation

A multiscale porous surface can significantly improve the osseointegration of biomedical implants, but it cannot be facilely achieved on the Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) surface. In this work, a macro-micro porous structure was prepared on the PEEK surface by ultrasound-assisted sulfonation. The surface morphologies, chemical compositions, functional groups, surface roughness, and wettability of the porous structures at different sulfonation times were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM), and contact angle measurement, respectively. The results demonstrate that a macro-micro porous structure is formed on the PEEK surface, with macropore sizes ranging from 50 to 250 μm and micro-sized pore sizes ranging from 0.2 to 1.5 μm. Moreover, the results of in vitro cellular experiments demonstrate that the macro-micro porous structure can promote cell adhesion and proliferation of BMCSc. The formation mechanism of the multiscale porous structures has also been discussed. This novel approach may provide a simple and effective strategy for surface modification of PEEK to improve its mechanical and biological response.

Engineering Ga-doped mesoporous bioactive glass-integrated PEEK implants for immunomodulatory and enhanced osseointegration effects

With the increasing aging population, the demand for orthopedic implants is also growing. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is considered a promising material for orthopedic implants due to its excellent biocompatibility. However, the lack of bioactivity and excessive immune response post-implantation often impair bone integration. Therefore, it is urgent to bio-functionalize PEEK-based implants to promote bone integration. This study employs a simple, economical, and feasible method to coat Ga-ion doped bioactive glass nanoparticles (Ga-MBGs) onto sulfonated PEEK surfaces, constructing a multifunctional PEEK-based orthopedic implant. The resulting bio-functionalized PEEK implants promote macrophage M2 phenotype polarization, thus fostering an anti-inflammatory immune microenvironment. Moreover, the direct osteogenic effect of Ga ions and the immuno-osteogenic effect through promoting macrophage M2 polarization enhance osteogenic differentiation potential in vitro and bone integration in vivo. A sequence of in vivo and in vitro experiments substantiates the essential and intricate function of this innovative orthopedic implants. in regulating normal bone immunity and metabolism. Overall, the application of Ga-MBGs provides a simple, economical, and effective method for developing multifunctional orthopedic implants. This surface bio-functionalized PEEK implant, capable of modulating immunity and bone metabolism, holds significant clinical application potential as an orthopedic implant.

Enhanced osteogenesis and antibacterial activity of dual-functional PEEK implants via biomimetic polydopamine modification with chondroitin sulfate and levofloxacin

ABSTRACT Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implants have emerged as a clinically favored alternative to titanium alloy implants for cranial bone substitutes due to their excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, the biological inertness of PEEK has hindered its clinical application. To address this issue, we developed a dual-functional surface modification method aimed at enhancing both osteogenesis and antibacterial activity, which was achieved through the sustained release of chondroitin sulfate (CS) and levofloxacin (LVFX) from a biomimetic polydopamine (PDA) coating on the PEEK surface. CS was introduced to promote cell adhesion and osteogenic differentiation. Meanwhile, incorporation of antibiotic LVFX was essential to prevent infections, which are a critical concern in bone defect repairing. To our delight, experiment results demonstrated that the SPKD/CS-LVFX specimen exhibited enhanced hydrophilicity and sustained drug release profiles. Furthermore, in vitro experiments showed that cell growth and adhesion, cell viability, and osteogenic differentiation of mouse calvaria-derived osteoblast precursor (MC3T3-E1) cells were significantly improved on the SPKD/CS-LVFX coating. Antibacterial assays also confirmed that the SPKD/CS-LVFX specimen effectively inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, attributable to the antibiotic LVFX released from the PDA coating. To sum up, this dual-functional PEEK implant showed a promising potential for clinical application in bone defects repairing, providing excellent osteogenic and antibacterial properties through a synergistic approach.

Study of structural, surface energies, and tribomechanical properties of thermoplastics irradiated by electron beam

This study investigates the effects of electron irradiation on the structural, surface energy, and tribomechanical properties of two key thermoplastics: polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The experimental methods included electron beam irradiation using the ILU-10 pulsed linear accelerator, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), microhardness testing, surface roughness assessment, tribology tests, and contact angle measurements.The FT-IR analysis revealed significant chemical changes on the surfaces of the polymers, including oxidation processes and the breaking of molecular bonds. XRD analysis showed an increase in the crystallinity of PTFE after irradiation, while the structure of PEEK remained stable. Microhardness testing indicated a notable increase in hardness for both polymers, particularly for PTFE, suggesting cross-linking of molecular chains. Surface roughness measurements demonstrated a decrease in roughness for both irradiated polymers. Tribology tests revealed that electron irradiation increased the coefficient of friction for PTFE and PEEK under various loads, which can be attributed to the alterations in their surface properties. Contact angle measurements indicated improved wettability of the irradiated surfaces, especially for PEEK, due to the formation of new functional groups. The total surface energy increased for both polymers post-irradiation, as determined using the Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaeble method. Electron irradiation leads to significant modifications in the surface and bulk properties of PEEK and PTFE, enhancing their tribomechanical and adhesive properties. These changes open new opportunities for the application of these materials in various engineering fields where specific performance characteristics are required.

Black Phosphorus and E7-Functionalized Sulfonated Polyetheretherketone with Effective Osteogenicity and Antibacterial Activity

Given its excellent biological properties and the matching of its elastic modulus with that of human bone tissue, medical polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is considered a desirable candidate for bone-implant materials. However, its poor osseointegrative and antibacterial properties greatly limit its clinical application. To address these concerns, a functional PEEK implant is needed. Herein, a novel photo-responsive multifunctional PEEK-based implant material (sPEEK/BP/E7) with both effective osteogenesis and good disinfection properties was constructed via the self-assembly of black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets, mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA), and bioactive short peptide E7 on sulfonated PEEK (sPEEK). The versatile micro-/nano-structured PEEK surface provides superior hydrophilicity, a favorable osteogenic microenvironment, and excellent photothermal effects under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. The in vitro results showed that sPEEK/BP/E7 displays enhanced cytocompatibility and osteogenicity in terms of cell adhesion, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, matrix mineralization, and osteogenesis-related gene expression, superior to those of the sPEEK and sPEEK/BP samples. In addition to osteogenesis, the multifunctional coating exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Furthermore, it was confirmed in a rat femoral infection model that sPEEK/BP/E7 effectively resisted infection caused by S. aureus under NIR light irradiation and promoted osseointegration in vivo. Thus, this work presents a facile strategy to realize improvement of the “functional integration” of new polymer bone-implant materials and provide new ideas for their clinical application.

Enhancing osteointegration and antibacterial properties of PEEK implants via AMP/HA dual-layer coatings

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a widely used engineering plastic in orthopedic and dental implants, but its bioinertness leads to poor bone integration. To overcome this, a sulfonation treatment was applied to PEEK first to create a rough, microporous surface enhancing cellular adherence and integration. Subsequently, amorphous magnesium phosphate (AMP) nanosheets were produced through microwave-assisted synthesis, and hydroxyapatite (HA) was generated using a bionic solution hydrothermal method. A dual-layer coating system composed of an interlayer AMP and a top layer HA on the surface of PEEK was developed to enhance osteointegration. Surface analysis confirms the creation of increased surface area, improved hydrophilicity with introduced hydrophilic groups, and enhanced protein attraction. In vitro assessments on mouse embryonic osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1) demonstrate the non-toxicity of these coatings and their efficacy in promoting cell proliferation. Moreover, antimicrobial evaluations against E. coli and S. aureus highlight the potential of these composite coatings in preventing implant-related infections. The AMP/HA dual-layer coating on sulfonated PEEK emerges as a potent method for enhancing osteointegration and antibacterial properties, offering a promising approach to improve bone repair efficiency in clinical applications.

Surface bioactivation of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) by magnesium chondroitin sulfate (MgCS) as orthopedic implants for reconstruction of skeletal defects

Polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is clinically used as a bio-implant for the healing of skeletal defects. However, the osseointegration of clinical-sized bone grafts remains limited. In this study, surface-porous PEEK was created by using a sulfonation method and a metal-polysaccharide complex MgCS was introduced on the surface of sulfonated PEEK to form MgCS@SPEEK. The as-prepared MgCS@SPEEK was found to have a porous surface with good hydrophilicity and bioactivity. This was followed by an investigation into whether MgCS loaded onto sulfonated PEEK surfaces could promote osseointegration and angiogenesis. The in vitro results showed that MgCS@SPEEK had a positive effect on reducing the expression levels of inflammatory genes and promoting osteogenesis and angiogenesis-related genes expression levels. Furthermore, porous MgCS@SPEEK was implanted in critical-sized rat tibial defects for in vivo evaluation of osseointegration. The micro-computed tomography evaluation results revealed substantial bone formation at 4 and 8 weeks. Collectively, these findings indicate that MgCS@SPEEK could provide improved osseointegration and an attractive strategy for orthopaedic applications.

Enhancing bioactivity and biocompatibility of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) for dental and maxillofacial implants: A novel sequential soaking process

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) exhibits excellent biocompatibility, fatigue resistance, and an elastic modulus similar to bone, presenting broad application prospects in the field of dental and maxillofacial implants. However, the bioinertness of PEEK limits its applications. In this study, we developed a method to generate biocompatible and bioactive PEEK through a simple sequential soaking process, aimed at inducing bone differentiation and enhancing antibacterial properties. Initially, a three-dimensional (3D) porous network was introduced on the PEEK surface by soaking in concentrated sulfuric acid and water. Subsequently, the sulfonated PEEK surface was treated with oxygen plasma, followed by immersion in a dopamine solution to coat a polydopamine (PDA) layer. Finally, polydopamine phosphate ester-modified 3D porous PEEK was obtained through the reaction of phosphoryl chloride with surface phenolic hydroxyl groups. Systematic studies were conducted using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water contact angle analysis, cell proliferation and adhesion, osteogenic gene expression detection, alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red staining, and bacterial culture. Overall, compared to unmodified PEEK, the modified PEEK significantly enhanced in vitro cell proliferation and adhesion, osteogenic differentiation, and antibacterial properties. The simple surface modification measures combined in this study may represent a promising technology and could facilitate the application of PEEK in dental and maxillofacial implants.

Plasma assisted fluorination of polyether ether ketone for stable antimicrobial performance

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has been extensively used in healthcare due to its excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and biocompatibility. Still, its weak bactericidal performance allows pathogenic bacteria to easily adhere to and proliferate on the PEEK surface. In this research, physical plasma treatment and chemical fluoridation have been combined to enable the PEEK surface with stable antibacterial performance. The characteristics of surface morphology, elemental composition, and hydrophilicity for the samples have been characterized. In vitro experiments reveal that the obtained PEEK surface exhibited great antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, the antimicrobial effect of the modified PEEK surface has shown almost no variation after 28 days of storage at room temperature and 4 h at 121 °C, confirming its excellent storage property and high-temperature stability. This study presents an efficient and practical method to enhance the cytocompatibility and the antimicrobial properties of the PEEK surface, making it a potential medical device material.

Peculiarities of tribological behavior of composites based on polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and whisker carbon nanotubes

Herein, the internal lubrication of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) with added whiskered carbon nanotubes (Wh-CNTs) was investigated under point-contact dry sliding conditions with various loads and velocities. The wear rate of the composite was reduced by 86.99% at a maximum Hertzian contact pressure of 344.69 MPa, which was attributed to the addition of additives with excellent mechanical properties and high-temperature stability. Wh-CNTs could be uniformly distributed in the PEEK to form a three-dimensional (3D) network structure with load-bearing capacity, thus the load could be effectively borne to prevent crack propagation on the PEEK surface. Besides, the filler was induced to form a micron-sized 3D spherical structure with a ball bearing effect, which promotes lubrication more effectively than the fragment structure.