Polydopamine Grafting Polyether Ether Ketone to Stabilize Growth Factor for Efficient Osteonecrosis Repair

Research Hypothesis: This study investigates whether surface-modified PEEK composites can enhance osteogenic and antibacterial properties, making them suitable for bone repair applications. Data Description: The data includes the preparation, characterization, and biological evaluation of PEEK composites modified with polydopamine (PDA) and further functionalized with bioactive molecules VEGF and BFP. The study involved both in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess material performance. Data Gathering: 1. Materials and Instruments: PEEK discs and cylindrical rods for in vitro and in vivo tests. Reagents and cell culture supplies (α-MEM, fetal bovine serum, PBS, etc.). Experimental cells (MC3T3-E1) and bacterial strains (E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus). Adult male New Zealand rabbits for in vivo studies. Laboratory equipment (e.g., CO2 incubator, centrifuge, SEM, XPS, FTIR, contact angle measuring instrument). 2. Material Preparation: Surface sulfonation of PEEK to create SPEEK. Modification with polydopamine to form SPEEK-PDA. Functionalization with VEGF and BFP to produce SPEEK-PDA-VEGF and SPEEK-PDA-BFP. 3. Characterization Techniques: FTIR and XPS to analyze chemical composition. Contact angle measurement for surface wettability. SEM for microstructure observation. 4. In Vitro Biological Evaluations: Cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Antibacterial tests against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. SBF immersion test to assess osteogenic activity. 5. In Vivo Studies: Rabbit tibial osteonecrosis model established via microwave heating. Implantation of PEEK composites and subsequent evaluation after 12 weeks. SEM and micro-CT scans, histological staining (HE), and immunofluorescence for tissue analysis. 6. Statistical Analysis: Data processed using SPSS 22.0, with significance set at P<0.05. Notable Findings: Modified PEEK composites demonstrated enhanced surface characteristics conducive to osteogenesis and antibacterial activity. In vitro tests showed improved cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation on SPEEK-PDA-VEGF and SPEEK-PDA-BFP surfaces. Antibacterial tests indicated significant bacterial reduction on modified surfaces. In vivo studies revealed successful integration and bone tissue repair, confirmed by SEM, micro-CT, and histological analysis. Data Interpretation: The surface modifications of PEEK with PDA and bioactive molecules significantly improve its biological performance. The findings suggest that SPEEK-PDA-VEGF and SPEEK-PDA-BFP composites can promote bone cell activity and inhibit bacterial growth, making them promising candidates for orthopedic applications. The data supports the hypothesis that these modifications enhance the material's suitability for bone repair, potentially leading to improved clinical outcomes in treating bone defects and infections.