Surface Modification of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) via Femtosecond Laser Microprocessing for Enhanced Bioactivity: A...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Surface Science

Background:

• Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) offers excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties for orthopedic implants.
• PEEK's poor osseointegration due to chemical inertness limits its clinical success.
• Advancements in orthopedic implants drive the need for improved biomaterials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate femtosecond (fs) laser-induced surface modifications on PEEK.
• To enhance PEEK's bioactivity and osseointegration for orthopedic applications.
• To develop a sustainable method for PEEK surface functionalization.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of micro- and nanoscale surface textures on PEEK using fs laser.
• Precise control of laser parameters (power, hatch spacing, scanning velocity).
• Characterization using SEM, EDX, XRD, micro-Raman, 3D profilometry, and contact angle measurements.

Main Results:

• Fs laser processing created hierarchical topographies on PEEK surfaces.
• Surface morphology was significantly increased by laser microprocessing.
• Preliminary biological evaluation indicated potential for enhanced osseointegration.

Conclusions:

• Fs laser structuring is a feasible, reproducible, and eco-friendly method for PEEK biofunctionalization.
• Hierarchical surface modifications show promise for improving osseointegration in orthopedic implants.
• This technique offers a sustainable approach for developing advanced PEEK-based orthopedic devices.