Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2025
Direct and Indirect Culture Methods for Studying Biodegradable Implant Materials In Vitro
Published on: April 15, 2022
Novel 3D printable PEEK-HA-Mg2SiO4 composite material for spine implants: biocompatibility and imaging compatibility
Naresh Kumar1, Sridharan Alathur Ramakrishnan2, Keith Gerard Lopez2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National University Health System, Level 11 Tower Block, 1E, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119228, Singapore. dosksn@nus.edu.sg.
Purpose:
To develop a novel 3D printable polyether ether ketone (PEEK)-hydroxyapatite (HA)-magnesium orthosilicate (Mg2SiO4) composite material with enhanced properties for potential use in tumour, osteoporosis and other spinal conditions. We aim to evaluate biocompatibility and imaging compatibility of the material.
Methods:
Materials were prepared in three different compositions, namely composite A: 75 weight % PEEK, 20 weight % HA, 5 weight % Mg2SiO4; composite B: 70 weight% PEEK, 25 weight % HA, 5 weight % Mg2SiO4; and composite C: 65 weight % PEEK, 30 weight % HA, 5 weight % Mg2SiO4. The materials were processed to obtain 3D printable filament. Biomechanical properties were analysed as per ASTM standards and biocompatibility of the novel material was evaluated using indirect and direct cell cytotoxicity tests. Cell viability of the novel material was compared to PEEK and PEEK-HA materials. The novel material was used to 3D print a standard spine cage. Furthermore, the CT and MR imaging compatibility of the novel material cage vs PEEK and PEEK-HA cages were evaluated using a phantom setup.
Results:
Composite A resulted in optimal material processing to obtain a 3D printable filament, while composite B and C resulted in non-optimal processing. Composite A enhanced cell viability up to ~ 20% compared to PEEK and PEEK-HA materials. Composite A cage generated minimal/no artefacts on CT and MR imaging and the images were comparable to that of PEEK and PEEK-HA cages.
Conclusion:
Composite A demonstrated superior bioactivity vs PEEK and PEEK-HA materials and comparable imaging compatibility vs PEEK and PEEK-HA. Therefore, our material displays an excellent potential to manufacture spine implants with enhanced mechanical and bioactive property.
