Zhiyan Xu

Doktorandin

Surface modification of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) for orthopedic applications

 

Betreuer: Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Aldo R. Boccaccini

PEEK exhibits excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and resistant to degradation [1]. However, PEEK is a biologically inert material, and the formation of fiber encapsulation around the PEEK implant indicates weak osteointegration which can eventually lead to failure of implants [2]. In this project, several strategies based on bioactive glasses (BGs) [3] will be explored to functionalise PEEK surfaces. It is expected that bioactive coatings with hierarchical pore structures will lead to antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility. The synergistic effects of the structure and biochemical reactivity provided by BGs coupled with the release of bioactive molecules will promote bone regeneration and osseointegration.

[1] R. Ma and T. T. Tang, Current Strategies to Improve the Bioactivity of PEEK, Int. J. Mol. Sci., 2014, 15, 5426-5445.

[2] D. Almasi, S. Izman, M. Assadian, M. Ghanbari, M. R. A. Kadir, Crystalline HA Coating on PEEK via Chemical Deposition, Appl. Surf. Sci., 2014, 314, 1034-1040.

[3] S. Seuss, et al., Development of bioactive composite coatings based on combination of PEEK, bioactive glass and Ag nanoparticles with antibacterial properties. Surf. Coat. Technol., 2016, 301:100–105.