Surface Modifications of Poly(Ether Ether Ketone) via Polymerization Methods-Current Status and Future Prospects.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) is a promising material for bone implants.
• Enhancing PEEK's biocompatibility and osseointegration is crucial for implant success.
• Surface modification techniques are key to improving PEEK's biological performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review polymerization methods and monomers used for PEEK surface modification.
• To assess strategies for increasing PEEK's bioactivity for biomedical applications.
• To identify future research directions for PEEK surface functionalization.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of polymerization techniques applied to PEEK.
• Analysis of various monomers used in PEEK surface modification.
• Evaluation of methods to enhance PEEK bioactivity and osseointegration.

Main Results:

• Various polymerization methods and monomers effectively modify PEEK surfaces.
• Surface modifications can significantly increase PEEK's bioactivity and biocompatibility.
• Surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) shows potential for flat surface applications.

Conclusions:

• Surface modification is essential for optimizing PEEK as a bone implant material.
• Continued research into polymerization methods will advance PEEK biomaterial applications.
• Low-ppm SI-ATRP offers a promising avenue for future PEEK surface engineering.