Fabrication, characterization, bioactivity, and biocompatibility of novel mesoporous calcium silicate/polyetheretherketone composites

The purpose of this study was to develop polyetheretherketone (PEEK)/mesoporous calcium silicate (m-CS) composites (m-CS content: 12 wt% and 24 wt%, abbreviated as CPC12 and CPC24, respectively) to investigate the potential application of CPC for bone tissue regeneration. The compositions and surface morphologies of PEEK, CPC12, and CPC24 were characterized with wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXRD) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), respectively. The water contact angle test demonstrated that the addition of m-CS improved the hydrophilicity of PEEK. The mechanical properties including elastic modulus, compressive strength, and bending strength were enhanced with the addition of m-CS, whereas the tensile strength slightly decreased. The composites, particularly, CPC24, prominently enhanced in vitro bioactivity of PEEK, which was demonstrated by the formation of apatite layer. The in vitro cell culture further suggested that the cell attachment on the composites, especially, CPC24, was significantly higher than PEEK. Encouragingly, the proliferation and ALP activity of the MC3T3-E1 cells were also improved on CPC24 prominently in comparison with the PEEK. Our study indicated that m-CS/PEEK composites, especially, CPC24, had suitable hydrophilicity, bioactivity, and great biocompatibility. Hence, CPC24 would be a great candidate composite with desirable physical and biological properties for bone tissue regeneration.