Hydroxyapatite whisker-reinforced polyetherketoneketone bone ingrowth scaffolds

Acta Biomater. 2010 Mar;6(3):856-63. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2009.08.004. Epub 2009 Aug 6.

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HA) whisker-reinforced polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) bone ingrowth scaffolds were prepared and characterized. High levels of porosity (75-90%) and HA whisker reinforcement (0-40 vol.%) were attained using a powder processing approach to mix the HA whiskers, PEKK powder and a NaCl porogen, followed by compression molding at 350-375 degrees Celsius and particle leaching to remove the porogen. The scaffold architecture and microstructure exhibited characteristics known to be favorable for osteointegration. Scaffold porosity was interconnected with a mean pore size in the range 200-300 microm as measured by micro-computed tomography. HA whiskers were embedded within and exposed on the surface of scaffold struts, producing a microscale surface topography, shown by von Kossa staining and scanning electron microscopy. Therefore, HA whisker-reinforced PEKK bone ingrowth scaffolds may be advantageous for orthopedic implant fixation, including interbody spinal fusion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Substitutes / chemistry*
  • Compressive Strength
  • Crystallization / methods
  • Durapatite / chemistry*
  • Ketones / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Osseointegration
  • Particle Size
  • Porosity
  • Surface Properties
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Bone Substitutes
  • Ketones
  • Durapatite