Preparation and Biocompatibility of Polydopamine Modified Porous Polyetheretherketone Implants

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), as a new polymer biomaterial, became a potential candidate for orthopedic and dental implant, however its application was limited by bioinert surface. The surface modification method had achieved remarkable results in improving the bioactivity of the implant surface. In this work, PEEK was firstly etched by sulfuric acid of different time and then the optimal group was modified with polydopamine coating. All the specimens including the control group were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle goniometer and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). As a result, the surface of PEEK was corroded by sulfuric acid to obtain a relatively stable porous structure at 6 minutes and polydopamine coating significantly reduced the surface contact angle. In subsequent biocompatibility study, the non-toxicity and the promotion of cell adhesion and proliferation of the modified PEEK-based substrates were verified by MC3T3 cells, laying a foundation for the wider application of PEEK in medical implantation.