Mechanical properties and in vitro response of strontium-containing hydroxyapatite/polyetheretherketone composites

Biomaterials. 2009 Aug;30(23-24):3810-7. doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.04.016. Epub 2009 May 7.

Abstract

Strontium-containing hydroxyapatite/polyetheretherketone (Sr-HA/PEEK) composites were developed as alternative materials for load-bearing orthopaedic applications. The amount of strontium-containing hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) incorporated into polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer matrix ranged from 15 to 30 vol% and the composites were successfully fabricated by compression molding technique. This study presents the mechanical properties and in vitro human osteoblast-like cell (MG-63) response of the composite material developed. The bending modulus and strength of Sr-HA/PEEK composites were tailored to mimic human cortical bone. PEEK reinforced with 25 and 30 vol% Sr-HA exhibited bending modulus of 9.6 and 10.6 GPa, respectively; alternatively, the bending strengths of the composites were 93.8 and 89.1 MPa, respectively. Based on the qualitative comparison of apatite formation in SBF and quantitative measurement of MG-63-mediated mineralization in vitro, the Sr-HA/PEEK composite was proven to outperform HA/PEEK in providing bioactivity. However, no difference was found in the trend of cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity between different composites. Strontium, in the form of strontium-containing hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA), was confirmed to enhance bioactivity in the PEEK composites.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkaline Phosphatase / metabolism
  • Benzophenones
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Biocompatible Materials / toxicity*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Durapatite / chemistry*
  • Enzyme Activation / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Ketones / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Polymers
  • Weight-Bearing

Substances

  • Benzophenones
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Ketones
  • Polymers
  • strontium-containing hydroxyapatite
  • polyetheretherketone
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Durapatite
  • Alkaline Phosphatase