Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is considered as an excellent biomaterial for bone grafting and connective tissue replacement. The clinical potential is, however, limited by its bioinertness, poor osteoconduction, and weak antibacterial activity. These disadvantages can be overcome by introducing suitable additives to produce mineral-polymer composites or coatings. In this work, a PEEK-based bioactive composite has been obtained by blending the polymer with magnesium phosphate (Mg3(PO4)2) particles in amounts ranging from 1 to 10 wt.% using the hot press technique. The obtained composite exhibited improved mechanical and physical properties, above the lower limits set for bone engineering applications. The tested grafts were found to not induce cytotoxicity. The presence of magnesium phosphate induced the mineralisation process with no adverse effects on the expression of the marker crucial for osteoblastic differentiation. The most promising results were observed in the grafts containing 1 wt.% of magnesium phosphate embedded within the PEEK matrix. The improved bioactivity of grafts, together with suitable physical-chemical and mechanical properties, indicate this composite as a promising orthopaedic implant material.

• MeSH
• benzofenony * MeSH
• biokompatibilní materiály * chemie   MeSH
• fosfáty * chemie   MeSH
• ketony * chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• osteoblasty účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• polyethylenglykoly * chemie   MeSH
• polymery * chemie   MeSH
• sloučeniny hořčíku chemie   farmakologie   MeSH
• testování materiálů MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• benzofenony * MeSH
• biokompatibilní materiály * MeSH
• fosfáty * MeSH
• ketony * MeSH
• magnesium phosphate MeSH Prohlížeč
• polyetheretherketone MeSH Prohlížeč
• polyethylenglykoly * MeSH
• polymery * MeSH
• sloučeniny hořčíku MeSH

Metal nanostructure-treated polymers are widely recognized as the key material responsible for a specific antibacterial response in medical-based applications. However, the finding of an optimal bactericidal effect in combination with an acceptable level of cytotoxicity, which is typical for metal nanostructures, prevents their expansion from being more significant so far. This study explores the possibility of firmly anchoring silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into polyetherether ketone (PEEK) with a tailored surface morphology that exhibits laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS). We demonstrated that laser-induced forward transfer technology is a suitable tool, which, under specific conditions, enables uniform decoration of the PEEK surface with AgNPs, regardless of whether the surface is planar or LIPSS structured. The antibacterial test proved that AgNPs-decorated LIPSS represents a more effective bactericidal protection than their planar counterparts, even if they contain a lower concentration of immobilized particles. Nanostructured PEEK with embedded AgNPs may open up new possibilities in the production of templates for replication processes in the construction of functional bactericidal biopolymers or may be directly used in tissue engineering applications.

• Klíčová slova
• bactericidal effect, laser treatment, periodic structures, silver nanoparticles, surface morphology,
• MeSH
• antibakteriální látky farmakologie   chemie   MeSH
• ketony chemie   MeSH
• kovové nanočástice * chemie   MeSH
• polyethylenglykoly chemie   MeSH
• stříbro chemie   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antibakteriální látky MeSH
• ketony MeSH
• polyetheretherketone MeSH Prohlížeč
• polyethylenglykoly MeSH
• stříbro MeSH

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has good chemical and biomechanical properties that are excellent for biomedical applications. However, PEEK exhibits hydrophobic and other surface characteristics which cause limited cell adhesion. We have investigated the potential of Ar plasma treatment for the formation of a nanostructured PEEK surface in order to enhance cell adhesion. The specific aim of this study was to reveal the effect of the interface of plasma-treated and gold-coated PEEK matrices on adhesion and spreading of mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The surface characteristics (polarity, surface chemistry, and structure) before and after treatment were evaluated by various experimental techniques (gravimetry, goniometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrokinetic analysis). Further, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was employed to examine PEEK surface morphology and roughness. The biological response of cells towards nanostructured PEEK was evaluated in terms of cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation. Detailed cell morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Compared to plasma treatment, gold coating improved PEEK wettability. The XPS method showed a decrease in the carbon concentration with increasing time of plasma treatment. Cell adhesion determined on the interface between plasma-treated and gold-coated PEEK matrices was directly proportional to the thickness of a gold layer on a sample. Our results suggest that plasma treatment in a combination with gold coating could be used in biomedical applications requiring enhanced cell adhesion.

• Klíčová slova
• Atomic force microscopy, Cell proliferation, Gold sputtering, Mouse embryonic fibroblasts, Plasma treatment, Polyetheretherketone, Scanning electron microscopy,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

In order to improve the biological activity and antibacterial properties of polyetheretherketone (PK) as bone implants, nano zinc-magnesium silicate (nZMS)/PK bioactive composites (nZPC) were fabricated. The results revealed that the mechanical properties, surface roughness and hydrophilicity of the nZPC gradually increased with nZMS content, in which nZPC with 50 w% of nZMS (50nZPC) exhibited the best properties. In addition, incorporation of nZMS into PK significantly improved the apatite mineralization ability of nZPC, which depended on nZMS content. Moreover, the attachment, proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells on nZPC were significantly enhanced with increasing nZMS content. Furthermore, after incorporation of nZMS into PK, the nZPC could inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli), in which 50nZPC revealed the best antibacterial activity. The results suggested that 50nZMPC with good bioactivity, cytocompatibility and antibacterial activity might be a promising candidate as an implant for bone repair and anti-infection.

• MeSH
• antibakteriální látky farmakologie   MeSH
• benzofenony MeSH
• Escherichia coli MeSH
• hořčík * MeSH
• ketony MeSH
• křemičitany hořčíku farmakologie   MeSH
• polyethylenglykoly MeSH
• polymery MeSH
• povrchové vlastnosti MeSH
• proliferace buněk MeSH
• zinek * farmakologie   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antibakteriální látky MeSH
• benzofenony MeSH
• hořčík * MeSH
• ketony MeSH
• křemičitany hořčíku MeSH
• polyetheretherketone MeSH Prohlížeč
• polyethylenglykoly MeSH
• polymery MeSH
• zinek * MeSH

BACKGROUND: The objective of this prospective randomized monocentric study is to compare the speed and quality of interbody fusion of implanted porous Al2O3 (aluminium oxide) cages with PEEK (polyetheretherketone) cages in ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 111 patients were enrolled in the study, which was carried out between 2015 and 2021. The 18-month follow-up (FU) was completed in 68 patients with an Al2O3 cage and 35 patients with a PEEK cage in one-level ACDF. Initially, the first evidence (initialization) of fusion was evaluated on computed tomography. Subsequently, interbody fusion was evaluated according to the fusion quality scale, fusion rate and incidence of subsidence. RESULTS: Signs of incipient fusion at 3 months were detected in 22% of cases with the Al2O3 cage and 37.1% with the PEEK cage. At 12-month FU, the fusion rate was 88.2% for Al2O3 and 97.1% for PEEK cages, and at the final FU at 18 months, 92.6% and 100%, respectively. The incidence of subsidence was observed to be 11.8% and 22.9% of cases with Al2O3 and PEEK cages, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Porous Al2O3 cages demonstrated a lower speed and quality of fusion in comparison with PEEK cages. However, the fusion rate of Al2O3 cages was within the range of published results for various cages. The incidence of subsidence of Al2O3 cages was lower compared to published results. We consider the porous Al2O3 cage as safe for a stand-alone disc replacement in ACDF.

• Klíčová slova
• Al2O3, Fusion rate, Non-union, PEEK, Quality of fusion, Subsidence,
• MeSH
• diskektomie * MeSH
• ketony MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• oxid hlinitý * MeSH
• polyethylenglykoly MeSH
• poréznost MeSH
• prospektivní studie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• randomizované kontrolované studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• ketony MeSH
• oxid hlinitý * MeSH
• polyetheretherketone MeSH Prohlížeč
• polyethylenglykoly MeSH

On the basis of current studies, polyaryletherketone (PAEK) polymers appear to be materials with great prospects for medical application. The most important member of this family of semi-crystalline thermoplastics is polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with its composites. The excellent properties of this material find their use in the treatment of various disorders of the skeletal system. At present they are used with advantage to construct spinal implants, and replacements for other orthopaedic applications and for dental and trauma medicine are at advanced stages of clinical testing.

• MeSH
• benzofenony MeSH
• biokompatibilní materiály * MeSH
• ketony * chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• polyethylenglykoly * chemie   MeSH
• polymery MeSH
• protézy a implantáty * MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• benzofenony MeSH
• biokompatibilní materiály * MeSH
• ketony * MeSH
• polyetheretherketone MeSH Prohlížeč
• polyethylenglykoly * MeSH
• polymery MeSH

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is one of the up-to-date organic polymer thermoplastics with applications in orthopaedics and trauma medicine. This study presents a detailed analysis of its tests and applications in clinical medicine. A wide range of PEEK modifications and composites are commercially available, e.g., PEEK-Classix, PEEK-Optima, Endolign and Motis. They differ in their physical properties, which makes them suitable for different applications. Other forms, so-called PEEK bioactive composites, contain beta-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite. Research in this field is also concerned with the surface finish of this polymer thermoplastic and involves macroporous titanium and hydroxyapatite layers, or treatment with laser for an exactly defined surface structure. The clinical applications of PEEK and its composites include, in addition to components for spinal surgery, osteosynthesis plates, screws, intramedullary nails or external fixators, which are implants still at the stage of prototypes. In this review, attention is paid to the use of PEEK thermoplastics for joint replacement. Mid-term studies involving hundreds of patients have shown that, for instance, the VerSys Epoch Fullcoat Hip System (Zimmer) has a markedly lower stress-shielding effect. Carbon fibre-reinforced (CFR-PEEK) composites are used to make articulating components for total hip replacement. Their convenient properties allow for production of much thinner liners and an enlargement of the femoral head diameter, thus reducing the wear of joint implants. CFR-PEEK composites are particularly effective for hip resurfacing in which the Mitch PCR (Stryker) acetabular component has been used with good results. The MOTIS polymer acetabular cup (Invibio Ltd.) is another example. Further PEEK applications include the construction of finger-joint prostheses (Mathys AG), suture anchors (Stryker) and various kinds of augmentations (Medin). Based on the information obtained, the authors suggest further use for CFR-PEEK composites, such as the construction of articulating liners for total shoulder joint replacement, particularly in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

• MeSH
• benzofenony MeSH
• biokompatibilní materiály * MeSH
• ketony * škodlivé účinky   chemie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• polyethylenglykoly * škodlivé účinky   chemie   MeSH
• polymery MeSH
• protézy - design MeSH
• protézy a implantáty MeSH
• protézy kloubů * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH
• Názvy látek
• benzofenony MeSH
• biokompatibilní materiály * MeSH
• ketony * MeSH
• polyetheretherketone MeSH Prohlížeč
• polyethylenglykoly * MeSH
• polymery MeSH

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Cranioplasty is currently the most common neurosurgical procedure. The purpose of this study is to describe the first experience with successful use of the Cranio-Oss (PEEK) custom implant for cranioplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the period 2012 to 2013, a total of 26 cranioplasties were performed. In fourteen patients, their own bone flap was used for reconstruction. In four cases, a synthetic Cranio-Oss bone implant made of PEEK was used. In six patients, the defect was covered by an intraoperatively-made Palacos implant and in two cases, minor defects were covered with a titanium mesh. The patients were followed up for at least five years. Cranio-Oss is a cranial implant made from polyetheretherketone (PEEK), a synthetic biocompatible material. The implant is created using the CAD/CAM method in the shape of the bone defect based on the CT scan. Creating optimal roughness of the implant surface and of the surface of the contact area attached to the bone bed is controlled and included already in the strategy for machining individual areas of the implant during its manufacturing at a 5-axis machining centre. RESULTS The Cranio-Oss implant was used in four younger patients to cover larger and complex-shaped defects. The mean age of patients in this group was 47 years. The implant was fixed to the skull by micro-plates. In all the cases the wound healed well with good cosmetic results without the necessity of revision with respect to the used implant. The follow-up CT scans always showed the implant in situ with no signs of malposition. DISCUSSION Autologous bone flap is the most suitable material for defect reconstruction after craniectomy. This option is affordable and represents one of the best methods of reconstruction of defects after craniectomy in terms of cosmetic results. In some cases, the original skull cannot be used for cranioplasty (e.g. if destructed by tumourous process, infected or in comminuted fractures). In such cases, the defect needs to be managed using a synthetic implant. In case of extensive defects, the most suitable option is a custom made implant from advanced biomaterials. CONCLUSIONS Authors prefer using autologous bone flaps during cranioplasty. In cases where this method is unavailable, a synthetic bone substitute has to be used. The first medium-term experience with the use of a Cranio-Oss implant made of PEEK showed that it is a suitable alternative to the patient's own bone. No complications associated with this synthetic implant were reported and its use to manage skull defects can be strongly recommended. With respect to legal and accreditationrelated difficulties connected with bone fragments storage and thanks to the continuous cost reduction of synthetic implants will their importance grow in the future. Key words: decompressive craniectomy, bone substitute, craniotrauma.

• MeSH
• benzofenony MeSH
• biokompatibilní materiály aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• ketony aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• lebka chirurgie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• následné studie MeSH
• polyethylenglykoly aplikace a dávkování   MeSH
• polymery MeSH
• protézy a implantáty MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• zákroky plastické chirurgie přístrojové vybavení   metody   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• benzofenony MeSH
• biokompatibilní materiály MeSH
• ketony MeSH
• polyetheretherketone MeSH Prohlížeč
• polyethylenglykoly MeSH
• polymery MeSH

In the case of polymer medical devices, the surface design plays a crucial role in the contact with human tissue. The use of AgNPs as antibacterial agents is well known; however, there is still more to be investigated about their anchoring into the polymer surface. This study describes the changes in the surface morphology and behaviour in the biological environment of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with immobilised AgNPs after different surface modifications. The initial composites were prepared by immobilising silver nanoparticles from a colloid solution in the upper surface layers of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The prepared samples (Ag/PEEK) had a planar morphology and were further modified with a KrF laser, a GaN laser, and an Ar plasma. The samples were studied using the AFM method to visualise changes in surface morphology and obtain information on the height of the structures and other surface parameters. A comparative analysis of the nanoparticles and polymers was performed using FEG-SEM. The chemical composition of the surface of the samples and optical activity were studied using XPS and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Finally, drop plate antibacterial and cytotoxicity tests were performed to determine the role of Ag nanoparticles after modification and suitability of the surface, which are important for the use of the resulting composite in biomedical applications.

• Klíčová slova
• antibacterial properties, biocompatibility, immobilisation, nanostructures, physical modification, polyetheretherketone,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The application of thermoplastic composites (TPCs) in aircraft construction is growing. This paper presents a study of the effect of an applied methodology (standards) on out-of-plane interlaminar strength characterization. Additionally, the mechanical behaviour of three carbon fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites was compared using the curved beam strength test. Data evaluated using different standards gave statistically significantly different results. The study also showed that the relatively new polyaryletherketone (PAEK) composite had significantly better performance than the older and commonly used polyphenylensulfid (PPS) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Furthermore, considering the lower processing temperature of PAEK than PEEK, the former material has good potential to be used in serial aerospace production.

• Klíčová slova
• composite, curved beam, interlaminar strength, polyaryletherketone, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylensulfid, thermoplastic,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH