Logo image
Exploring the mechanical strength, antimicrobial performance, and bioactivity of 3D-printed silicon nitride-PEEK composites in cervical spinal cages
Journal article   Open access

Exploring the mechanical strength, antimicrobial performance, and bioactivity of 3D-printed silicon nitride-PEEK composites in cervical spinal cages

Cemile Basgul, Paul Desantis, Tabitha Derr, Noreen J. Hickok, Ryan M. Bock and Steven M. Kurtz
International journal of bioprinting, v 10(2), pp 431-444
01 Jan 2024
url
https://doi.org/10.36922/ijb.2124View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open

Abstract

Engineering, Biomedical Materials Science, Biomaterials Science & Technology Engineering Materials Science Technology
In this study, our goal was to assess the suitability of a polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) polymer composite for antimicrobial three-dimensional (3D) -printed cervical cages. Generic cage designs (PEEK and 15 vol.% Si 3 N & aacute; PEEK) were 3D -printed, including solid and porous cage designs. Cages were tested in static compression, compression shear, and torsion per ASTM F2077. For antibacterial testing, virgin and composite filament samples were inoculated with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli . In vitro cell testing was conducted using MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts, where cell proliferation, cumulative mineralization, and osteogenic activity were measured. The 3D -printed PEEK and Si 3 N & aacute; PEEK cages exhibited adequate mechanical strength for all designs, exceeding 14.7 kN in compression and 6.9 kN in compression shear. Si 3 N & aacute; PEEK exhibited significantly lower bacterial adhesion levels, with a 93.9% reduction (1.21 log), and enhanced cell proliferation when compared to PEEK. Si 3 N & aacute; PEEK would allow for custom fabrication of 3D -printed spinal implants that reduce the risk of infection compared to unfilled PEEK or metallic alloys.

Metrics

Details

UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:

#3 Good Health and Well-Being

InCites Highlights

Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:

Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Engineering, Biomedical
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Logo image