Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl. 2018 Jul 1;88:70-78. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2018.03.003. Epub 2018 Mar 10.

One-step fabrication of functionalized poly(etheretherketone) surfaces with enhanced biocompatibility and osteogenic activity.

Liu S¹, Zhu Y², Gao H³, Ge P³, Ren K⁴, Gao J⁴, Cao Y⁴, Han D⁵, Zhang J⁶.

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has an elastic modulus similar to that of the bone; however, its use as a material for bone repair is limited by bio-inert surface chemistry and poor osteogenesis-inducing capacity. To address this issue, the PEEK surface was activated by ultraviolet radiation-induced grafting of methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanofibers via a one-step process. The modified PEEK surface was characterized by X-ray photoelectron and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and the extent of surface modification was evaluated by measuring static contact angles. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the PEEK surface grafted with electrospun TiO₂ had abundant nanofibers and a roughness that was comparable to that of human cortical bone. In vitro experiment, rat bone mesenchymal stem cells showed increased adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation capacity on TiO₂-modified as compared to unmodified PEEK. Thus, PEEK that is surface-modified with electrospun TiO₂ and MeHA has enhanced biocompatibility and can be an effective material for use in orthopedic implants and medical devices.