The on growth of bone to in hard tissue implants is a critical factor in the positive health outcomes of these medical procedures. In order for a material to enable bone on growth the implant material?s interface with the body must have a surface conducive for cellular attachment and growth. Therefore methods to improve an implant materials ability to foster cell growth and adhesion are critical for the creation of next generation surgical implant devices and enhanced medical outcomes. Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) is a important biocompatible polymer implant used in a range of hard tissue applications including spine, long bone, skull flap, and orthopedic applications. PEEK?s major limitation relates to its inert surface and lack of surface charge leading to poor cellular attachment and the potential for implant failure. In this proposal we study how a facile aqueous based surface modification of PEEK impacts that materials ability to promote cell growth in vitro and promote bone on growth in vivo.
Poly (ether ether ketone) is an important biomedical polymers with applications in a range of hard tissue applications. In this proposal we evaluate how a novel surface treatment chemistry impacts PEEK?s osteoconductivity. We will study material stability, cell growth in in cell culture models, and bone on growth in a rabbit model. If this proposal is successful we will have a deeper understanding of how the material interface of PEEK can be improved leading to next generation polymeric implant devices.
