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Processing and Properties of Bioactive Surface-Porous PEKK
Bo Yuan1, Yangmei Chen1, Hai Lin1
1National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Biomaterials Building, No. 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu, China 610064.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|January 12, 2021
Summary
This study developed bioactive, surface-porous polyetherketoneketone (PEKK-BSP) materials for enhanced spinal fusion. The new PEKK-BSP material promotes bone cell growth and gene expression, showing potential for improved osseointegration in spinal implants.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Orthopedic Engineering
Background:
- Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) is a promising material for orthopedic implants.
- Enhancing PEKK's bioactivity and osseointegration is crucial for spinal fusion applications.
- Current PEKK materials require surface modifications to improve biological interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel bioactive, surface-porous PEKK material (PEKK-BSP).
- To investigate the effects of surface porosity and bioactivity on cell behavior and gene expression.
- To evaluate the potential of PEKK-BSP for spinal interbody fusion devices.
Main Methods:
- PEKK/hydroxyapatite (HA) composites were fabricated and HA microspheres leached to create macropores.
- Sulfonation of PEKK created micropores and altered surface properties.
- Simulated body fluid (SBF) treatment induced apatite layer formation, demonstrating in vitro bioactivity.
- Mechanical testing, cell culture with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and gene expression analysis were performed.
Main Results:
- Surface-porous PEKK (PEKK-SP) exhibited interconnected macropores and micropores.
- SBF treatment resulted in bone-like apatite layer formation on PEKK-SP, confirming bioactivity.
- PEKK-BSP demonstrated enhanced MSC proliferation and differentiation compared to unmodified PEKK.
- PEKK-BSP significantly upregulated key osteogenic genes (OCN, Col-I, ALP, Runx2).
Conclusions:
- The developed bioactive, surface-porous PEKK (PEKK-BSP) material shows excellent in vitro bioactivity and osteogenic potential.
- PEKK-BSP promotes superior cell growth and osteogenic gene expression.
- This material holds significant promise for enhancing osseointegration in spinal interbody fusion devices.
