Studying and Characterization of Coating of Zein-CaSiO₃ Composite on Polyetheretherketone Implant Material

Material-coated implants are placed in the bone and play an essential role in bone regeneration and rapid healing around implants. Polymeric matrix reinforced with ceramic materials is a promising composite material for coating implants. This study aims to determine the effect of mixing various concentrations of zein with CaSiO₃ on polyetheretherketone (PEEK) as implant material. The coating was performed using the electrospray method. PEEK disks were used as a control group. The coated disks with different concentrations of zein-CaSiO₃ (Group 1: 10% wt, 90% wt), (Group 2: 20% wt, 80% wt), and (Group 3%: 30% wt, 70% wt) were the experimental group. Each group was characterized by atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, water contact angle, and adhesion strength. The lowest water contact angle was obtained for Group 1: 10% wt and 90% wt were (26.64° and 27.13°, respectively), and increasing amounts of zein in comparison to quantities of CaSiO₃ resulted in increased adhesion strength of the composite material to the substrate. The current study suggested that the higher amount of zein compared to the amount of CaSiO₃ mixture coating is achieved by electrospraying, a favorable candidate for coating implants compared to uncoated and coated disks with low concentrations of zein compared to concentrations of CaSiO₃.