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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.

Led by Dr. Andres De Los Reyes and Dr. Matthew Lerner, this session introduces a research-backed framework to help you figure out exactly when a data mismatch is just noise, and when it’s a meaningful signal trying to tell you something true.

Have you ever run a study where the results just don't match? A parent report says one thing, but a teacher says another. Or a participant's self-report completely clashes with your clinical interview. In behavioral and mental health research, this isn't a glitch, it’s the norm. Yet most researchers are only taught to handle it by averaging the scores, throwing out a measure, or writing a defensive "limitations" paragraph in the final paper. There’s a better way! The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and the University of Maryland are presenting a FREE, 60-minute virtual session: "My Study’s Results Don’t Match… Now What Do I Do?" Led by Dr. Andres De Los Reyes and Dr. Matthew Lerner, this session introduces a research-backed framework to help you figure out exactly when a data mismatch is just noise, and when it’s a meaningful signal trying to tell you something true. Building off these extremely valuable insights, we offer a weekend program that does a deep dive into the strategies discussed. Please take a moment to sign up for our FREE webinar to receive the Zoom information. 👉 Click here to secure your online registration: https://bit.ly/4wTy0AZ The Details: 📅Date: July 29, 2026 ⏱️ Time: 3:00 to 4:00 PM EDT 💻 Format: Fully Virtual (Includes a Q&A Session) 🧠 What you'll learn: A research-backed framework for structuring assessments, analyses, and study designs to better understand and utilize discrepant results Registration is FREE and sign up to get the Zoom link sent to your inbox. 🎟️ Sign up here to receive the Zoom link: https://bit.ly/4wTy0AZ

Registration is now open for the Community-Engaged Research Symposium: Advancing the Science and Practice of Community-Engaged Research on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 1 – 5 p.m. EST.

This workshop will provide a deep dive into the NSF GRFP Merit Criteria and strategies for editing your work for length, clarity, and alignment with the selection criteria. Applicants at all stages will benefit from attending.

This is the last of four biweekly summer workshops on the NSF GRFP; applicants are also encouraged to participate in our grad fellowships biweekly writing group. You can learn more about these events and review materials from previous info sessions and workshops on our NSF Applicant Resource Site (Drexel login required).

The National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) provides selected fellows with three years of funding, including a living stipend and tuition funds, to support a research-focused doctoral degree in STEM, social sciences, or STEM education. The current application cycle is open to US citizens and permanent residents planning to begin their first graduate program in Fall 2027, or who will be in the 1st year of a PhD program in Fall 2026. BS-MS students planning to continue on to a PhD program are only eligible to apply in their final year of BS-MS study (and not as first year doctoral students).

Register on Zoom to attend

Topic
Reactive Astrocytes Shape the Microenvironment of Melanoma Brain Metastases

Need help with your résumé? This is the perfect time to ask your questions! Meet with Ken Bohrer, Senior Career Counselor, in this virtual graduate resume dropin workshop 

Register on Handshake: https://drexel.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1955006