Organic chemistry

Porosity

Mineralization (soil science)

Surface modification

Engineering

Composite material

Chemistry

Metallurgy

Materials science

Calcium

Peek

Chemical engineering

Optoelectronics

Polymer

Nitrogen

Doping

Journal of Bionic Engineering

The aim of this study was to reconstruct surface porous structure with hundreds of micrometers and then bio-mineralize Sr-doped Calcium Phosphate (Sr-doped CaP) on Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) profile to enhance its bioactivity. A surface porous structure was prepared on PEEK profile by embedding and acid-etching of SiO2 particles as porogen (SP-PEEK). Then the Sr-doped CaP was further decorated on the porous surface after sulfonation, introduction of Sr-doped CaP crystal seeds and bio-mineralization in 1.5 times simulated body fluid (BSSP-PEEK-CaP/Sr). It was feasible to reconstruct the surface porous structure with hundreds of micrometers on PEEK profile by the present method without damaging its mechanical properties. The Sr-doped CaP crystal seeds effectively promoted the bio-mineralization of bio-inertness PEEK. All as-prepared PEEK did not inhibit the proliferation of cells. ALP of bio-mineralized groups was significantly increased than that of the other groups. The BSSP-PEEK-CaP/Sr obviously affected the morphology and promoted the adhesion and spreading of cells. As a result, the cyto-biocompatibity and bioactivity of PEEK were improved after bio-mineralization. Sr-doped CaP on PEEK most likely was beneficial for cells, which was associated with the increasing of the hydrophilicity on PEEK. This study provided a candidate method to improve the osteogenesis of PEEK implants.

Reconstruction of Surface Porous PEEK Decorated with Strontium-doped Calcium Phosphate Coatings for Enhancing Osteogenic Activity