Introduction: Polyetherether ketone (PEEK) is a semicrystalline thermoplastic polymer that has been proposed as a substitute for metals in dental implants biomaterials because of its mechanical and biological properties.
Objectives: This study was aimed to prepare and characterize PEEK implant materials modified by different methods using nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite to overcome its limited bioactivity. The study also evaluated the ability of the modified PEEK implant to enhance osseointegration in a rabbit model.
Methods: Four groups of PEEK specimens were prepared. Group1: specimens were constructed from untreated PEEK (control group), group2: specimens were coated with nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite (nHA) after etching the PEEK surfaces with sulfuric acid (98%) for one minute, group3: specimens were be coated with nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite (nHA) after laser treatment of PEEK surfaces with Nd: YAG laser and group4: specimens were be constructed from melt-blended PEEK powder with nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite (nHA/PEEK). Each of the four groups were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EXD), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), contact angle measuring device and flexural strength test. The ability of each of the four groups to enhance bone osseointegration was evaluated in a rabbit model, by using histomorphometrical analysis.
Results: Data was collected, summarized and statistically analyzed using the suitable methods.
Conclusion: PEEK biocompatibility and its chemical inertness can be improved with coating the surface with nano sized HA or mix blended of PEEK with nHA which does not affect its mechanical strength.