Three-Dimensionally-Printed Polyether-Ether-Ketone Implant with a Cross-Linked Structure and Acid-Etched Microporous Surface Promotes Integration with Soft Tissue

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences 2019-08, Vol.20 (15), p.3811
• Main Authors: Feng, Xiaoke, Yu, Hao, Liu, Huan, Yu, Xiaonan, Feng, Zhihong, Bai, Shizhu, Zhao, Yimin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3-D printers; acid-etch; Animals; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Biocompatible Materials - pharmacology; Cell Adhesion - drug effects; Contact angle; Crosslinking; Design; Ether - chemistry; Ether - pharmacology; Humans; injection molding; Joint surgery; Ketones - chemistry; Ketones - pharmacology; Organic chemistry; Orthopaedic implants; Orthopedics; Plasma etching; Polyether ether ketones; polyether-ether-ketone; Polyethylene Glycols - chemistry; Polymerization; Porosity; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Prostheses and Implants - adverse effects; Protein structure; Rabbits; Secondary structure; Silk; soft tissue; Soft tissues; Spraying; Sulfuric acid; Surface Properties; three-dimensional printing; Tissue engineering; Transplants & implants
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153811

Polyether-ether-ketone (peek) is one of the most common materials used for load-bearing orthopedic devices owing to its radiolucency and favorable mechanical properties. However, current smooth-surfaced peek implants can lead to fibrous capsule formation. To overcome this issue, here, peek specimens with well-defined internal cross-linked structures (macropore diameters of 1.0-2.0 mm) were fabricated using a three-dimensional (3D) printer, and an acid-etched microporous surface was achieved using injection-molding technology. The cell adhesion properties of smooth and microporous peek specimens was compared in vitro through a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the soft tissue responses to the both microporous and cross-linked structure of different groups were determined in vivo using a New Zealand white rabbit model, and examined through histologic staining and separating test. The results showed that the acid-etched microporous surface promoted human skin fibroblasts (HSF) adherence, while internal cross-linked structure improved the ability of the peek specimen to form a mechanical combination with soft tissue, especially with the 1.5 mm porous specimen. The peek specimens with both the internal cross-linked structure and external acid-etched microporous surface could effectively promote the close integration of soft tissue and prevent formation of fibrous capsules, demonstrating the potential for clinical application in surgical repair.