Construction and performance evaluation of a sustained release implant material polyetheretherketone with antibacterial properties

This study aimed to construct a tightly binding antibiotic sustained release system on the polyetheretherketone (PEEK) surface and investigate the cellular activity and antibacterial properties of the new oral implant materials. Low-temperature argon plasma under certain parameters was used to prepare P-PEEK with nano-topology, and chemical deposition technology was adopted to form a polydopamine (PDA) coating on the PEEK surface to build a biological binding platform, PDA/P-PEEK. Subsequently, vancomycin gelatin nanoparticles (Van-GNPs) were prepared by two-step desolvation method. Finally, Van-GNPs were combined with PEEK implant material surface to form a new composite material, Van-GNPs/PEEK. scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and contact angle tester were used to comprehensively characterize the materials. The in vitro release test of Van was performed by dynamic dialysis with ultraviolet spectrophotometer. The cell cytotoxicity and adhesion tests were studied by mouse embryonic osteoblasts. The antibacterial properties were evaluated by bacterial adhesion test, plate colony counting, and antimicrobial ring test with Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. PEEK was treated with low-temperature argon plasma and attached to PDA to form a biological binding platform. The synthesized Van-GNPs were smooth, round, with uniform particle size distribution, and bound to PEEK to form a new composite material, which can release Van constantly. Cell experiments showed that Van-GNPs/PEEK had no cytotoxicity and had good interaction with osteoblasts. Bacterial experiments showed that surface conjugation with Van-GNPs could significantly improve the antibacterial performance of PEEK against S. aureus and S. mutans. This study demonstrated that Van-GNPs/PEEK have good cellular compatibility and autonomous antibacterial properties, which provide a theoretical basis for the wide application of PEEK in the field of stomatology. •PEEK was treated with low-temperature argon plasma and attached to PDA to form a biological binding platform.•The Van-GNPs synthesized by two-step desolvation were smooth, round, with uniform particle size distribution.•Van-GNPs and PEEK are firmly combined to form Van-GNPs/PEEK, which can continuously release Van in vitro.•Van-GNPs/PEEK had no cytotoxicity and had good interaction with osteoblasts.•PEEK combined with Van-GNPs can significantly improve its antibacteria