Strontium/adiponectin co-decoration modulates the osteogenic activity of nano-morphologic polyetheretherketone implant.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-based implants have become popular in hard tissue orthopedic and dental field. However, its inherent bio-inertness limited its applications for bone repair/substitution of osteoporosis patients, with poor osteogenesis capability. In order to ameliorate their bioactivity, the 3D porous PEEK substrate was created by sulfonate processing, and the substrate was subsequently incorporated with strontium (Sr) through a hydrothermal reaction in Sr(OH)2 solutions. The adiponectin (APN) protein membrane was deposited on the substrate via polydopamine-assisted deposition. Surface characterization results disclosed that the nanostructures had been formed on sPEEK-Sr-APN surafces, and APN coatings on the substrates could adjust Sr release rate and further mediate cell-material interactions. in vitro experiments indicated that the cellular effects (proliferation and differentiation) of MC3T3-E1 were significantly increased with Sr/APN coordinated regulation. This study provides bioactive Sr and APN as promising active components for bio-functional bone regeneration/substitution, and optimizes the osteointegration of PEEK implants in clinic.