Bioinspired Modifications of PEEK Implants for Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

In recent years, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been increasingly employed as an implant material in clinical applications. Although PEEK is biocompatible, chemically stable, and radiolucent and has an elastic modulus similar to that of natural bone, it suffers from poor integration with surrounding bone tissue after implantation. To improve the bioactivity of PEEK, numerous strategies for functionalizing the PEEK surface and changing the PEEK structure have been proposed. Inspired by the components, structure, and function of bone tissue, this review discusses strategies to enhance the biocompatibility of PEEK implants and provides direction for fabricating multifunctional implants in the future.

Modulation of immune-inflammatory responses through surface modifications of biomaterials to promote bone healing and regeneration

“…However, plasma-sprayed Ti coating to PEEK has shown direct bone ongrowth effect in long bone defect model in sheep. 139,140 Interestingly, a study demonstrates that porous Ti with a mean pore size of 279.9 ± 31.6 μm developed by melt extrusion method showed better osteogenic differentiation in vitro and superior implant osseointegration in vivo when compared to a plasma-sprayed Ti coated PEEK (0.13-0.25 mm thick layer of Ti) in a tibial bone defect rat model. 141 PEEK implants still lack the desired physical properties and osseointegration capacity to be clinically applied and are being rigorously tested and improved.…”

Sustainable Surface Modification of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Implants by Hydroxyapatite/Silica Coating—An In Vivo Animal Study

“…Pure HA, with its strong bond to native bone, is supposed to alter the bioinert surface of PEEK in a more favorable way regarding osseointegration [ 13 , 30 , 31 ]. However, a pure composite material will change the tensile strength of the bulk in an unfavorable way.…”

Effectiveness of a Fully Impregnated Hydroxyapatite Polyetheretherketone Cage on Fusion in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery

“…Our results demonstrate a clinically relevant faster rate of fusion, based on postoperative plain radiographs, including flexion and extension views in the HA PEEK ACDF group. Furthermore, studies have shown enhanced bone growth in cortical and cancellous sites by incorporating HA into PEEK compared with PEEK alone [ 15 , 25 ], where investigators have reported the presence of a non-reactive fibrous tissue interface [ 26 , 27 ]. In addition, the HA at the surface of PEEK provides an osteoconductive surface, which supports bone apposition, thus improving rates of fusion clinically [ 25 ].…”