Mechanical strength, surface properties, cytocompatibility and antibacterial activity of nano zinc-magnesium silicate/polyetheretherketone biocomposites

Abstract

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.