BIOMED PhD Research Proposal
Title:
Evaluating the Biological, Mechanical, and Chemical Performance of Polyaryletherketones for Use in Patient-Specific 3D Printed Orthopedic Implants
Speaker:
Paul DeSantis, PhD Candidate
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Drexel University
Advisor:
Steven Kurtz, PhD
Research Professor
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Drexel University
Details:
Metal sensitivity affects nearly one in four patients with orthopedic implants, contributing to implant failure through macrophage-stimulated osteolysis and immune reactions that drive demand for non-metal alternatives. Polyaryletherketones (PAEKs) are a family of high-performance thermoplastics with mechanical properties similar to bone, chemical resistance, and established clinical use. While PEEK has been studied extensively, its hydrophobic surface limits protein adsorption, cell attachment, and osseointegration. Whether other members of the PAEK family, particularly PEKK and the recently developed low-melt PAEK, offer meaningful biological or mechanical advantages over PEEK remains poorly understood. We hypothesize that inherent differences in the surface chemistry and thermal properties of distinct PAEKs drive meaningful differences in protein adsorption and osteogenic cell response of additively manufactured constructs.
To test this hypothesis, we will characterize the surface free energy, thermal properties, and protein adsorption of five 3D printed PAEKs, and evaluate their osteogenic performance using in vitro cell culture. In parallel, the mechanical performance of partially porous PAEK constructs modeled after metaphyseal cones and sleeves will be evaluated, with print fidelity confirmed via micro-CT. Finally, sulfonation will be used to introduce microporosity into PAEK scaffolds with the goal of improving cell attachment without altering bulk mechanical properties.
The expected outcomes of this work include identification of the PAEK formulations most favorable for osseointegration, material-specific print parameters for complex porous geometries, and a better understanding of sulfonation as a surface treatment strategy. This research aims to advance the development of non-metal orthopedic implants beyond traditional PEEK.