An In Vitro Study of Osteoblast Response on Fused-Filament Fabrication 3D Printed PEEK for Dental and Cranio-Maxillofacial Implants

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a prime candidate to replace metallic implants and prostheses in orthopedic, spine and cranio-maxillofacial surgeries. Fused-filament fabrication (FFF) is an economical and efficient three-dimensional (3D) printing method to fabricate PEEK implants. However, studies pertaining to the bioactivity of FFF 3D printed PEEK are still lacking. In this study, FFF 3D printed PEEK samples were fabricated and modified with polishing and grit-blasting (three alumina sizes: 50, 120, and 250 µm) to achieve varying levels of surface roughness. In vitro cellular response of a human osteosarcoma cell line (SAOS-2 osteoblasts, cell adhesion, metabolic activity, and proliferation) on different sample surfaces of untreated, polished, and grit-blasted PEEK were evaluated. The results revealed that the initial cell adhesion on different sample surfaces was similar. However, after 5 days the untreated FFF 3D printed PEEK surfaces exhibited a significant increase in cell metabolic activity and proliferation with a higher density of osteoblasts compared with the polished and grit-blasted groups (p < 0.05). Therefore, untreated FFF 3D printed PEEK with high surface roughness and optimal printing structures might have great potential as an appropriate alloplastic biomaterial for reconstructive cranio-maxillofacial surgeries.

Hybrid Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)–Acrylic Resin Prostheses and the All-on-4 Concept: A Full-Arch Implant-Supported Fixed Solution with 3 Years of Follow-Up

“…In the field of dentistry, the possibility of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) together with its biocompatibility and shock absorbing features [10,16,17] has enabled the increased use of PEEK. These uses were extended to the fabrication of a considerable number of materials including healing caps, abutments, removable prostheses, crowns, fixed or partial full-arch dentures, and dental implants [10][11][12][13][14][15][18][19][20][21][22][23]. Despite the scarce in vivo publications, PEEK was demonstrated to be a valid treatment option compared to titanium in the rehabilitation of severely atrophic maxillary alveolar ridges both through patient-specific sub-periosteal implants [24] and as a customized mesh for bone augmentation [25].…”

In Vitro Mechanical and Biological Properties of 3D Printed Polymer Composite and β-Tricalcium Phosphate Scaffold on Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

“…Most clinically used patient-specific implants for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction are composed of titanium, poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK), and other non-absorbable materials [ 6 , 8 , 9 ]. However, to achieve optimal scaffolding to facilitate regeneration of hard tissues, various scaffold properties, such as controlled biodegradability, architecture, mechanical property, biocompatibility, and osteoconductivity, should be considered.…”

Quality Characteristics and Clinical Relevance of In-House 3D-Printed Customized Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Implants for Craniofacial Reconstruction

“…PEEK has been used in cranioplasty as a reliable alternative to other alloplastic materials [ 23 , 24 ]. Previous studies have shown the possibility of printing PEEK by FFF [ 17 , 25 , 26 ]; however, studies on FFF 3D printed PEEK cranial implants are limited. Therefore, to investigate the outcome of quality and clinical relevance of FFF 3D printing technology at POC manufacturing, the present study was conducted.…”