title: Characterization of New PEEK/HA Composites with 3D HA Network Fabricated by Extrusion Freeforming.
abstract: Addition of bioactive materials such as calcium phosphates or Bioglass, and incorporation of porosity into polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been identified as an effective approach to improve bone-implant interfaces and osseointegration of PEEK-based devices. In this paper, a novel production technique based on the extrusion freeforming method is proposed that yields a bioactive PEEK/hydroxyapatite (PEEK/HA) composite with a unique configuration in which the bioactive phase (i.e., HA) distribution is computer-controlled within a PEEK matrix. The 100% interconnectivity of the HA network in the biocomposite confers an advantage over alternative forms of other microstructural configurations. Moreover, the technique can be employed to produce porous PEEK structures with controlled pore size and distribution, facilitating greater cellular infiltration and biological integration of PEEK composites within patient tissue. The results of unconfined, uniaxial compressive tests on these new PEEK/HA biocomposites with 40% HA under both static and cyclic mode were promising, showing the composites possess yield and compressive strength within the range of human cortical bone suitable for load bearing applications. In addition, preliminary evidence supporting initial biological safety of the new technique developed is demonstrated in this paper. Sufficient cell attachment, sustained viability in contact with the sample over a seven-day period, evidence of cell bridging and matrix deposition all confirmed excellent biocompatibility.
authors.affiliation: Engineering Materials Group, Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK. mv1y11@soton.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Vaezi
authors.affiliation: Bone and Joint Research Group, Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK. crmb1e12@soton.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Cameron
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Black
authors.affiliation: Bone and Joint Research Group, Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK. dmg1e12@soton.ac.uk.
authors.forename: David M R
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Gibbs
authors.affiliation: Bone and Joint Research Group, Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK. richard.oreffo@soton.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Richard O C
authors.initials: RO
authors.lastname: Oreffo
authors.affiliation: Invibio Ltd., Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire FY5 4QD, UK. mbrady@invibio.com.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brady
authors.affiliation: Engineering Materials Group, Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK. m.m.torbati@soton.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Mohamed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moshrefi-Torbati
authors.affiliation: Engineering Materials Group, Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK. s.yang@soton.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Shoufeng
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yang
mesh_terms: D001577:Benzophenones; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001846:Bone Development / Q000187:drug effects; D018786:Bone Substitutes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017886:Durapatite / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007659:Ketones / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008422:Materials Testing; D016348:Osseointegration / Q000187:drug effects*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011108:Polymers; D016062:Porosity; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D023822:Tissue Engineering
chemical_list: D001577:Benzophenones; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D007659:Ketones; D011108:Polymers; C063834:polyetheretherketone; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D017886:Durapatite
keywords: additive manufacturing (AM); bioactive PEEK/HA composite; compression molding; extrusion freeforming; polyetheretherketone (PEEK); porous PEEK