Polyetheretherketone Double Functionalization with Bioactive Peptides Improves Human Osteoblast Response
Leonardo Cassari,
Cristian Balducci,
Grazia M. L. Messina,
Giovanna Iucci,
Chiara Battocchio,
Federica Bertelà,
Giovanni Lucchetta,
Trevor Coward,
Lucy Di Silvio,
Giovanni Marletta,
Annj Zamuner,
Paola Brun,
Monica Dettin
Affiliations
Leonardo Cassari
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
Cristian Balducci
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
Grazia M. L. Messina
Laboratory for Molecular Surface and Nanotechnology (LAMSUN), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania and CSGI, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
Giovanna Iucci
Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Via della Vasca Navale 79, 00146 Roma, Italy
Chiara Battocchio
Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Via della Vasca Navale 79, 00146 Roma, Italy
Federica Bertelà
Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Via della Vasca Navale 79, 00146 Roma, Italy
Giovanni Lucchetta
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
Trevor Coward
Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
Lucy Di Silvio
Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
Giovanni Marletta
Laboratory for Molecular Surface and Nanotechnology (LAMSUN), Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania and CSGI, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
Annj Zamuner
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
Paola Brun
Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
Monica Dettin
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
In recent years, the demand for orthopedic implants has surged due to increased life expectancy, necessitating the need for materials that better mimic the biomechanical properties of human bone. Traditional metal implants, despite their mechanical superiority and biocompatibility, often face challenges such as mismatched elastic modulus and ion release, leading to complications and implant failures. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a semi-crystalline polymer with an aromatic backbone, presents a promising alternative due to its adjustable elastic modulus and compatibility with bone tissue. This study explores the functionalization of sandblasted 3D-printed PEEK disks with the bioactive peptides Aoa-GBMP1α and Aoa-EAK to enhance human osteoblast response. Aoa-GBMP1α reproduces 48–69 trait of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP-2), whereas Aoa-EAK is a self-assembling peptide mimicking extracellular matrix (ECM) fibrous structure. Superficial characterization included X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), white light interferometer analysis, static water contact angle (S-WCA), and force spectroscopy (AFM-FS). Biological assays demonstrated a significant increase in human osteoblast (HOB) proliferation, calcium deposition, and expression of osteogenic genes (RUNX2, SPP1, and VTN) on functionalized PEEK compared to non-functionalized controls. The findings suggest that dual peptide-functionalized PEEK holds significant potential for advancing orthopedic implant technology.
