Surface Treatments of PEEK for Osseointegration to Bone

Abstract

Polymers, in general, and Poly (Ether-Ether-Ketone) (PEEK) have emerged as potential alternatives to conventional osseous implant biomaterials. Due to its distinct advantages over metallic implants, PEEK has been gaining increasing attention as a prime candidate for orthopaedic and dental implants. However, PEEK has a highly hydrophobic and bioinert surface that attenuates the differentiation and proliferation of osteoblasts and leads to implant failure. Several improvements have been made to the osseointegration potential of PEEK, which can be classified into three main categories: (1) surface functionalization with bioactive agents by physical or chemical means; (2) incorporation of bioactive materials either as surface coatings or as composites; and (3) construction of three-dimensionally porous structures on its surfaces. The physical treatments, such as plasma treatments of various elements, accelerated neutron beams, or conventional techniques like sandblasting and laser or ultraviolet radiation, change the micro-geometry of the implant surface. The chemical treatments change the surface composition of PEEK and should be titrated at the time of exposure. The implant surface can be incorporated with a bioactive material that should be selected following the desired use, loading condition, and antimicrobial load around the implant. For optimal results, a combination of the methods above is utilized to compensate for the limitations of individual methods. This review summarizes these methods and their combinations for optimizing the surface of PEEK for utilization as an implanted biomaterial.

The Formation Process and Mechanism of the 3D Porous Network on the Sulfonated PEEK Surface

“…Numerous studies have shown that a 3D porous network can be formed on the PEEK surface by sulfonation. The 3D porous network not only has good osseointegration, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial properties but also can be used for the loading of biological factors and drugs . However, few studies have been devoted to investigating the formation process of the 3D porous networks and to further control the surface morphology and composition of sulfonated PEEK.…”

Chemical Modification Strategy to Improve Biological Activity of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Poly(ether ether ketone) Implants

“…These methods are usually combined according to actual situations to achieve better effects. With continuous research and the development of modification methods, the performance of PEEK implants has been continuously optimized, from initially enhancing mechanical properties and bioactivity to the stage of aspiring excellent osseointegration and anti-infection ability. , However, no widespread attention has been paid to blood vessel regeneration, which is another key process of osteogenesis . Good angiogenesis provides the necessary oxygen and nutrients at bone defect sites and is meaningful for tissue regeneration .…”

Preparation and biotribological properties of PSBMA polyelectrolyte brush on PEEK surface

“…However, the high hydrophobicity of PEEK inhibited the adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of osteoblasts on its surface, 13 resulting in poor bone integration ability and ultimately the failure of artificial joint implantation. 14 Meanwhile, a hydrophobic surface usually leads to direct contact between friction pairs in a lubricating medium, affecting wear resistance. 15,16 Poor tribological properties mean that it is more prone to wear, which would reduce the life of joint prostheses by causing osteolysis and bone resorption due to wear debris.…”

“…Bone binding between the implant and the human bone needs to absorb the surrounding cells to initiate when the implant is in the human body. However, the high hydrophobicity of PEEK inhibited the adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation of osteoblasts on its surface, 13 resulting in poor bone integration ability and ultimately the failure of artificial joint implantation 14 . Meanwhile, a hydrophobic surface usually leads to direct contact between friction pairs in a lubricating medium, affecting wear resistance 15,16 .…”