on Polymers
Polymeric materials have during the past decades grown rapidly as alternatives to traditional implant materials within many applications. PEEK is today a widely used alternative to titanium-based implants especially within orthopedics and spinal fusion. The material exhibits several favorable properties, such as biocompatibility, thermal stability, similarity to bone with respect to mechanical properties and radiolucency. PEEK is however chemically and biologically inert, which may have an effect on the integration in the body. Most polymers are, in addition to this, relatively hydrophobic and have poor wettability. The hydrophobic properties of the polymers make it difficult for bone cells to attach on the surface. However, coating of a polymeric implant with HAnano Surface transforms the implant surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. Studies with HAnano Surface coated PEEK implants have shown that coating of the implants facilitates osseointegration.
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