3D Printed Bioactive Mechanical-Adaptive Polyetheretherketone Implants with Non-Invasive Tracking for...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is a biocompatible material for orthopedic implants.
• PEEK's bioinertness and mechanical mismatch limit bone fixation and repair.
• Developing advanced PEEK surfaces is crucial for improved implant performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a bioactive, mechanical-adaptive surface for PEEK implants.
• To enhance osseointegration and enable real-time bioimaging.
• To overcome the limitations of conventional PEEK implants in orthopedic applications.

Main Methods:

• 3D printing of PEEK implants.
• In situ chemical linking of photoluminescent poly(citrate-silicon) (PCS) polymer to PEEK.
• Characterization of PEEK-PCS surface properties, including viscoelasticity and bioactivity.
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation of macrophage response and osteogenic differentiation.
• Assessment of PEEK-PCS autofluorescence for bioimaging.

Main Results:

• The PEEK-PCS surface demonstrated viscoelastic properties, conforming to tissue and reducing stress.
• PEEK-PCS modulated inflammatory responses by promoting M2 polarization and reducing inflammatory factors.
• Enhanced osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) was observed.
• PEEK-PCS exhibited excellent in vitro and in vivo autofluorescence with stable signals for 14 days.
• Significant improvements in osseointegration and osteogenesis were achieved compared to traditional implants.

Conclusions:

• The developed PEEK-PCS surface offers improved adhesion, mechanical compatibility, and osseointegration.
• The photoluminescent PCS coating enables real-time bioimaging of implants in vivo.
• PEEK-PCS represents a promising advancement for orthopedic implant applications, addressing key limitations of current materials.