Bioinspired Modifications of PEEK Implants for Bone Tissue Engineering

In recent years, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been increasingly employed as an implant material in clinical applications. Although PEEK is biocompatible, chemically stable, and radiolucent and has an elastic modulus similar to that of natural bone, it suffers from poor integration with surrounding bone tissue after implantation. To improve the bioactivity of PEEK, numerous strategies for functionalizing the PEEK surface and changing the PEEK structure have been proposed. Inspired by the components, structure, and function of bone tissue, this review discusses strategies to enhance the biocompatibility of PEEK implants and provides direction for fabricating multifunctional implants in the future.

Automated summary

PEEK has been increasingly used as an implant material due to its biocompatibility, chemical stability, and elastic modulus similar to natural bone, but suffers from poor integration with surrounding bone tissue. Various strategies for functionalizing the surface and changing the structure of PEEK have been proposed to improve its bioactivity. Inspired by bone tissue, this review explores ways to enhance the biocompatibility of PEEK implants and suggests directions for future multifunctional implant fabrication.