Mussel-inspired dopamine-CuII coated polyetheretherketone surface with direct and immunomodulatory effect to facilitate osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and antibacterial ability

Implant-associated infection (IAI) and insufficient implant osseointegration are two primary concerns of implant failure. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), though widely used in orthopedic implants, has been limited in clinical applications by its poor osteogenic activity, inferior antibacterial ability, and improper immunological reactions. In this study, copper (Cu), a multi-functional bioactive ion, is incorporated into the polydopamine (PDA) coating on PEEK surfaces using a metal-catecholamine assembling strategy. This DA-Cu-II coating induces a spatial distribution of Cu, exerting biological functions simultaneously through passive contact and active release of Cu. DA-Cu-II coated PEEK surfaces exhibit not only superior abilities of osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and antibiosis but also possess immunomodulatory effects to enhance macrophages-mediated osteogenesis and antibacterial activity. Moreover, the DA-Cu-II coated PEEK induces a mild and necessary inflammatory response, exhibiting excellent antibacterial yability and superior osseointegration. Our findings suggest that DA-Cu-II coated PEEK has excellent potential for orthopedic implants and provides new insight into novel modification strategies of PEEK materials. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

Implant-associated infection and insufficient implant osseointegration are common causes of implant failure. In this study, a multi-functional bioactive ion, copper (Cu), was incorporated into the polydopamine (PDA) coating on polyetheretherketone (PEEK) surfaces. The DA-Cu-II coated PEEK surfaces showed superior abilities of osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and antibiosis, as well as immunomodulatory effects. The coating also induced a mild and necessary inflammatory response, exhibiting excellent antibacterial activity and osseointegration. The findings suggest that the DA-Cu-II coated PEEK has great potential for orthopedic implants and provides new insights into novel modification strategies for PEEK materials.