Sulfonated polyether ketone ketone (SPEKK) implant as an alternative to titanium implant-in vivo study on Wistar Albino rat mandible.

BACKGROUND

Titanium is commonly used for dental implants due to its high biocompatibility and durability. However, concerns about metal ion release and aesthetic limitations in certain tissue biotypes have driven the search for alternative materials. Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), a high-performance polymer, has emerged as a promising option due to its biomimetic properties. Surface modifications, such as treatment with sulfuric acid (H2SO4), may further enhance its osteogenic potential.

AIM

The study aimed to evaluate the osteogenic efficacy of H2SO4-modified PEKK implants in comparison to titanium implants.

METHODOLOGY

Three groups were assessed: Titanium, unmodified PEKK and H2SO4-modified PEKK(SPEKK). Surface characteristics were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Wettability was checked through contact angle evaluation. Cell viability was evaluated through MTT assays. Implants were placed in rat mandibles, and bone formation was analyzed after 6 weeks using nano-CT and histological assessments. Toxicity was as Statistical comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test.

RESULTS

Acid-modified PEKK implants exhibited the highest bone formation (280.09 ± 12.03) significantly outperforming Titanium (265.12 ± 11.08) and unmodified PEKK (266.52 ± 7.28) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

H2SO4-modified PEKK (SPEKK) implants demonstrated superior osteogenic properties compared to titanium, suggesting that these modified polymers could be viable alternatives for aesthetic implants.