Surface air abrasion of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) with bioactive glass for use as dental implants

Abstract Introduction: Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a biocompatible, chemically stable polymer material. Compared to titanium implants, PEEK does not naturally possess any osseoconductive qualities and is bioinert in nature. Studies have demonstrated that PEEK stimulates less osteoblast differentiation than Titanium. PEEK is coated with bioactive particles in an attempt to increase its osseoconductive properties. Abrading the surface of the PEEK with bioactive glass is an attractive option for improving bioactivity. Aims: To modify the surface of the PEEK as an implant containing bioactive glasses by using a grit blast technique. This is to improve the bioactivity of the PEEK as an implant. Methods: Three glasses compositions, Sylc (45S5), 45S5& Sr, and BioMinF, were used. 45S5& Sr and BioMinF were synthesised by a melt quench technique, and Denfotex Research Ltd designed Sylc (45S5). The bioactivity of the glasses was characterised and investigated. PEEK samples were abraded with coarse glass particles using a grit blast technique and immersed in Tris and SBF solutions for three, seven days. The distribution and bioactivity of the glasses on the PEEK surface were investigated by SEM-EDX. Results: All three glasses compositions showed an amorphous structure with varied bioactivity. The SEM-EDX analysis confirmed that the glasses were widely distributed, and a higher coverage was seen. The abraded PEEK samples showed good bioactivity in vitro. Conclusions: The bioactive glasses compositions successfully modified the PEEK's surface. They formed apatite within three and seven days in Tris and SBF, which is considered the air abrasion technique and bioactive glass for improving the bioactivity of PEEK. The glasses abraded PEEK samples show good bioactivity in vitro. Further investigation needs to be done in cell culture study regarding the biological response of the cell to the Peek material as an implant