Amyloid Nanofilm-Induced surface mineralization of 3D-Printed Polyetheretherketone scaffolds for in situ orbital bone regeneration and repair

Abstract

Orbital bone defect repair is both challenging and crucial and requires the comprehensive consideration of anatomical complexity, functional preservation, aesthetic outcomes, postoperative risks, and long-term effects. Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a promising orthopedic substitute material due to its cortical bone-like elastic modulus, biocompatibility, chemical stability, and natural radiolucency. However, PEEK is bioinert and lacks interfacial bioactivity, which limits its ability to promote bone growth and osseointegration. In this study, we fabricated porous PEEK scaffolds using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing technology. We employed a phase-transitioned lysozyme (PTL) nanofilm as the organic matrix template to construct a robust hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating both inside and outside the porous PEEK scaffold, generating HAp@PTL@PO-PEEK. The PTL nanofilm acted as a strong glue, enhancing the interfacial bonding strength between the HAp coating and PEEK. In vitro cell biology experiments revealed that HAp@PTL@PO-PEEK promoted the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Furthermore, the modified scaffolds exhibited excellent osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity in the in vivo repair of rabbit orbital bone defects, promoting new bone formation and guiding new bone growth into the scaffold. Therefore, HAp@PTL@PO-PEEK scaffolds hold potential for clinical craniomaxillofacial bone regeneration and repair.

Keywords

• Orbital bone defects
• Bone reconstruction
• Polyetheretherketone
• Amyloid
• Biomineralization
• Hydroxyapatite