Use of Piranha Solution as An Alternative Route to Promote Bioactivation of PEEK Surface with Low Functionalization Times

Abstract

This study aimed to achieve bioactivity on the PEEK surface using piranha solution through a lower functionalization time. For this purpose, the functionalization occurred with piranha solution and 98% sulfuric acid in the proportions of 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1 at periods of 30, 60, and 90 s. The samples treated for longer times at higher concentrations registered the characteristic spectroscopy band associated with sulfonation. Additionally, both chemical treatments allowed the opening of the aromatic ring, increasing the number of functional groups available and making the surface more hydrophilic. The piranha solution treatments with higher concentrations and longer times promoted greater heterogeneity in the surface pores, which affected the roughness of untreated PEEK. Furthermore, the treatments induced calcium deposition on the surface during immersion in SBF fluid. In conclusion, the proposed chemical modifications using sulfuric acid SPEEK 90 and, especially, the piranha solution PEEK-PS 2:1-90, were demonstrated to be promising in promoting the rapid bioactivation of PEEK-based implants.

Improving Surface Properties of PEEK for Dental Applications by Using Piranha Solution

“…On the other hand, the increase in concentration of hydrogen peroxide among different groups of Piranha makes 1 : 3 concentration the highest in surface roughness because of the increase in oxidation of PEEK groups caused by hydrogen peroxide. This results in agree with dos Santos et al [ 18 ].…”

“…On the other hand, Piranha solution-treated PEEK samples showed a higher wettability compared with sulfuric acid-treated samples. This can be the result of the increased number of functional groups on the surface caused by the Piranha solution, as stated in multiple references [ 17 , 18 , 26 ]. The present report evaluated roughness and wettability.…”

“…The solutions were prepared in glass containers and were stirred until a homogeneous mixture was obtained. PEEK samples in the C2 group were submerged in a glass container of sulfuric acid for 60 s, while P3, P5, and P7 groups were submerged in piranha solution of the determined concentration (1 : 3, 1 : 5, and 1 : 7 hydrogen peroxide to sulfuric acid, respectively) also for 60 s [ 17 , 18 ]. After removal of the samples from the glass container, they were cleaned ultrasonically in distilled water and in isopropyl alcohol each for 10 min, and then they were left to dry at room temperature for 15 min [ 19 ].…”

Evaluation of High-Performance Polyether Ether Ketone Polymer Treated with Piranha Solution and Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Coating

“…The initial step in understanding the impact of EGCG coating on PEEK surfaces was the evaluation of surface roughness, a crucial factor in cell adhesion and proliferation. The increase in roughness observed after piranha treatment aligns with previous studies that have highlighted the etching effect of this solution [ 10 , 39 ]. Interestingly, after applying the EGCG coating, the surface roughness reached an intermediate value between the control group and the piranha-treated group.…”

“…To address this limitation, various surface modification techniques have been developed to improve the surface properties of PEEK and enhance its osseointegration ability. Among these techniques are surface modification techniques such as laser treatment and acid conditioning [ 9 ], one of the most popular used acid treatments is piranha solution and it has been widely used on PEEK for multiple purposes starting from increasing wettability of the surface and reaching to increase the bonding ability of different coating materials [ 10 ]. In a previous article, we have investigated the effect of using piranha treatment alone on some properties of PEEK [ 11 ].…”