Pei-Mediated Composite Coating Modifies The Biological Properties Of Peek

Aim or purpose: This study aimed to utilize polyetherimide (PEI) as a carrier to coat a Ce-Ag-ZnO composite layer, enhancing the osteogenic and antibacterial properties of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Materials and methods: Ce-Ag-ZnO composite powder was dissolved in a PEI solution and applied to PEEK via spin coating to form a uniform and stable coating. Three groups were established: the blank group (PEEK), the control group (PEEK+PEI), and the experimental group (PEEK+PEI+composite powder). The surface morphology, hydrophilicity, phase composition, element release, and coating adhesion were analyzed. The osteogenic potential of the samples was assessed using CCK-8, live/dead cell staining, cytoskeletal staining, ALP activity quantification, alizarin red staining, and quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The antibacterial efficacy was evaluated through bacterial colony counting. Results: The Ce-Ag-ZnO composite powder was successfully coated onto the PEEK surface with a uniform distribution, allowing for controlled release. The experimental group exhibited significantly enhanced hydrophilicity (P<0.001). On the 7th day, the experimental group showed superior MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation (P<0.001), with well-spread pseudopodia and clear adhesion. Alizarin red staining demonstrated pronounced mineralization. The modified PEEK significantly upregulated ALP activity (P<0.001) and the expression of osteogenic genes, including Runx2, BMP-2, OPN, and OCN (P<0.001). The experimental group also exhibited the lowest bacterial adherence (P<0.001). Conclusions: The composite coating on the PEEK surface enhanced its biocompatibility, osteogenic potential, and antibacterial properties, thereby optimizing the surface performance of PEEK implants.