top of page
PRESENTER INFO

Biomineralization of Polyetheretherketone Through Surface Modification and Simple Chemistry 

Hello, my name is Aida Wen. I am a sophomore at American Heritage School of Boca Delray in Delray Beach, Florida. My research is in the biomaterial field, but incorporates many aspects of chemistry. Please feel free to explore my website and learn more about my research. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please leave them in the "Comments/Discussion" section. If you are interested in my research and would like to contact me, email me at bd547531@ahschool.com. I would love to speak with you more about my research as well as other research topics. 

PEEK Spinal Spacers

VIDEO

Video

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been widely used to make orthopedic and spinal devices; however, its ability to integrate with surrounding bone tissue has yet to be improved. This study investigated the effect of various surface modifications on biomimetic calcium phosphate formation on PEEK surface. Four different types of surface modifications include roughening by using sand paper, concentrated phosphoric acid (PA), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and concentrated sulfuric acid (SA, sulfuration). Calcium phosphate mineralization was induced biomimetically by soaking PEEK disks in a modified supersaturated calcification solution (mSCS) buffered at pH 7.4 for 2 days at body temperature (37°C). An alternative mineralization method was also employed by incubating sulfuric acid treated disks with a beta tricalcium phosphate (BTCP) slurry at room temperature. SA had much stronger reaction with PEEK surface than PA or NaOH.  After the mSCS coating process, calcium phosphate mineral formation was consistently found on all the disks. Preliminary scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis revealed discrete hemispherical deposits on most disks, consisting of fine calcium phosphate crystals. A thicker, continuous coating was observed on phosphoric acid treated disks. It appeared that delamination occurred more often on the disks with a thicker coating as compared to the disks with discrete deposits. The roughness of the disks did not seem to have an effect on coating formation. The BTCP method seems also promising for the SA treated disks. PEEK surface was successfully mineralized through surface modifications and simple chemistry. Future research is underway to improve coating evenness and adhesion. 

 
POWERPOINT

Powerpoint

Instructions:
1. Enter & submit password (a link will appear)
2. Click on the link to access the powerpoint
Comments Section

Feel free to add a comment below:

bottom of page