Hydroxyapatite whisker-reinforced polyetherketoneketone bone ingrowth scaffolds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Engineering
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) is a biocompatible polymer with potential for bone regeneration.
• Enhancing PEKK scaffolds with hydroxyapatite (HA) can improve osteoconductivity.
• Developing porous scaffolds is crucial for bone ingrowth and implant integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize hydroxyapatite (HA) whisker-reinforced polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) bone ingrowth scaffolds.
• To evaluate the porosity, microstructure, and surface topography of these composite scaffolds.
• To assess the potential of these scaffolds for orthopedic implant fixation.

Main Methods:

• Powder processing involving mixing HA whiskers, PEKK powder, and NaCl porogen.
• Compression molding at 350-375°C followed by particle leaching to create porosity.
• Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for porosity and pore size analysis.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and von Kossa staining for surface topography and HA distribution.

Main Results:

• Scaffolds achieved high porosity (75-90%) with interconnected pores (200-300 µm mean pore size).
• HA whiskers were successfully embedded within and exposed on the scaffold struts.
• A microscale surface topography favorable for osteointegration was created.
• Reinforcement levels ranged from 0-40 vol.% HA.

Conclusions:

• HA whisker-reinforced PEKK scaffolds possess favorable characteristics for bone ingrowth.
• The developed scaffolds may offer advantages for orthopedic implant fixation.
• Potential applications include interbody spinal fusion and other bone defect treatments.