Study on the osteogenic and antimicrobial properties of PEEK modified with a Ce-Ag-ZnO composite coating using PEI as a carrier

doi:10.12337/zgkqzzxzz.2025.02.010

Abstract

Abstract: Objective This study aimed to utilize polyetherimide (PEI) as a carrier to coat a Ce-Ag-ZnO composite layer, enhancing the osteogenic and antibacterial properties of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Methods Ce-Ag-ZnO composite powder was dissolved in a PEI solution and applied to PEEK via spin coating to form a uniform and stable coating. Three groups were established: the blank group (PEEK), the control group (PEEK+PEI), and the experimental group (PEEK+PEI+composite powder). The surface morphology, hydrophilicity, phase composition, element release, and coating adhesion were analyzed. The osteogenic potential of the samples was assessed using CCK-8, live/dead cell staining, cytoskeletal staining, ALP activity quantification, alizarin red staining, and quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The antibacterial efficacy was evaluated through bacterial colony counting. Results The Ce-Ag-ZnO composite powder was successfully coated onto the PEEK surface with a uniform distribution, allowing for controlled release. The experimental group exhibited significantly enhanced hydrophilicity (P<0.001). On the 7th day, the experimental group showed superior MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation (P<0.001), with well-spread pseudopodia and clear adhesion. Alizarin red staining demonstrated pronounced mineralization. The modified PEEK significantly upregulated ALP activity (P<0.001) and the expression of osteogenic genes, including Runx2, BMP-2, OPN, and OCN (P<0.001). The experimental group also exhibited the lowest bacterial adherence (P<0.001). Conclusion The composite coating on the PEEK surface enhanced its biocompatibility, osteogenic potential, and antibacterial properties, thereby optimizing the surface performance of PEEK implants.

Key words: Osteogenic differentiation, Antibacterial properties, Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), Polyetherimide (PEI) coatings, Rare earth cerium

Dai Yating, Han Zekui, Ru Xiaona, Lyu Yuguang, Li Bing, Gao Shijun. Study on the osteogenic and antimicrobial properties of PEEK modified with a Ce-Ag-ZnO composite coating using PEI as a carrier[J]. Chinese Journal of Oral Implantology, 2025, 30(1): 54-61.

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