Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (26): 6719-6728.doi: 10.12307/2026.361

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Osteogenic and antibacterial properties of polyether ether ketone modified by multifunctional composite coating

Zhang Huifang1, 2, 3, Li Hankai1, 2, 3, Huang Haozhe1, 2, 3, Liu Min1, 2, 3, Wang Pin1, 2, 3, Huang Haixia1, 2, 3, Sun Libo4, Lan Yuyan1, 2, 3   

  1. 1Department of Prosthodontics, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China; 2Luzhou Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China; 3Institute of Stomatology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China; 4Department of Stomatology, Luzhou People’s Hospital, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China 
  • Accepted:2025-08-30 Online:2026-09-18 Published:2026-03-10
  • Contact: Lan Yuyan, MS, Associate professor, Department of Prosthodontics, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China; Institute of Stomatology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China Sun Libo, MS, Associate professor, Associate chief physician, Department of Stomatology, Luzhou People’s Hospital, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
  • About author:Zhang Huifang, Master candidate, Department of Prosthodontics, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China; Luzhou Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China; Institute of Stomatology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Youth Innovation Research Project of Sichuan Medical Association, No. Q22064 (to LYY); Luzhou Science and Technology Bureau Applied Research Basic Project, No. 2023JYJ053 (to LYY); Luzhou Science and Technology Plan Funding Project, No. 2024JYJ087 (to SLB); Scientific Research Project of Luzhou Medical Association, No. 2024-YXXM-010 (to SLB)

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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) has insufficient inherent biological activity. As a bone implant material, there are risks of poor osseointegration and implant-associated infections. The development of PEEK surface modification strategies with both osteogenic and antibacterial functions has important clinical significance for improving the implantable performance of PEEK.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the biocompatibility, osteogenic and antibacterial effects of polydopamine-modified strontium-doped hydroxyapatite-silver composite coating PEEK. 
METHODS: (1) A polydopamine-hydroxyapatite composite coating was prepared on the surface of PEEK, recorded as PEEK@PDA-HA. According to the ratio of Sr2+/(Sr2++Ca2+) of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 20%, respectively, a polydopamine-strontium-doped hydroxyapatite-silver composite coating was prepared on the surface of PEEK, recorded as PEEK@PDA-HA-Ag, PEEK@PDA-5Sr/HA-Ag, PEEK@PDA-10Sr/HA-Ag, and PEEK@PDA-20Sr/HA-Ag, respectively. MC3T3-E1 cells were co-cultured with PEEK, PEEK@PDA-HA-Ag, PEEK@PDA-5Sr/HA-Ag, PEEK@PDA-10Sr/HA-Ag, and PEEK@PDA-20Sr/HA-Ag. The best materials were selected for subsequent experiments through cell proliferation, live-dead staining, and adhesion test results. The surface morphology and water contact angle of PEEK@PDA-10Sr/HA-Ag were characterized. (2) MC3T3-E1 cells were inoculated on the surfaces of PEEK, PEEK@PDA-HA, PEEK@PDA-HA-Ag, and PEEK@PDA-10Sr/HA-Ag. Alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red staining, and osteocalcin immunofluorescence staining were performed after osteogenic induction to detect the osteogenic differentiation performance of the materials. (3) Escherichia coli (or Staphylococcus aureus) was co-cultured with PEEK, PEEK@PDA-HA, PEEK@PDA-HA-Ag, and PEEK@PDA-10Sr/HA-Ag. The antibacterial properties of the materials were detected by agar plate counting method and bacterial live and dead staining. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) The results of cell proliferation, live and dead staining, and adhesion detection showed that PEEK@PDA-10Sr/HA-Ag had the best effect on promoting MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation. At the same time, the MC3T3-E1 cells adhered to the surface of the material had good morphology and extended more filopodia, which could be used for subsequent experiments. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface of PEEK@PDA-10Sr/HA-Ag was rough and uneven, with a large number of spherical nanoparticles attached. Compared with PEEK, the water contact angle of the surface of PEEK@PDA-10Sr/HA-Ag was reduced, and the hydrophilicity was enhanced. (2) Alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red staining, and osteocalcin immunofluorescence staining showed that PEEK@PDA-10Sr/HA-Ag had the strongest osteogenic effect. (3) Bacterial plate counts and live-dead staining showed that PEEK@PDA-10Sr/HA-Ag could effectively inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus compared with the other three groups of materials. (4) The results showed that PEEK loaded with polydopamine modified strontium-doped hydroxyapatite-silver composite coating had good biocompatibility, osteogenic and antibacterial effects.


Key words: polyether ether ketone, composite coating, polydopamine, strontium, hydroxyapatite, strontium-doped hydroxyapatite, silver

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