Production and sulfonation of bioactive polyetheretherketone foam for bone substitute applications

Active Dual-Protein Coating Assisted by Stepwise Protein-Protein Interactions Assembly Reduces Thrombosis and Infection

Universal protein coatings have recently gained wide interest in medical applications due to their biocompatibility and ease of fabrication. However, the challenge persists in protein activity preservation, significantly complicating the functional design of these coatings. Herein, an active dual-protein surface engineering strategy assisted by a facile stepwise protein-protein interactions assembly (SPPIA) method for catheters to reduce clot formation and infection is proposed. This strategy is realized first by the partial oxidation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme (LZM) for creating stable nucleation platforms via hydrophobic interaction, followed by the assembly of nonoxidized BSA (pI, the isoelectric point, ≈4.7) and LZM (pI ≈11) through electrostatic interaction owing to their opposite charge under neutral conditions. The SPPIA method effectively preserves the conformation and functionality of both BSA and LZM, thus endowing the resultant coating with potent antithrombotic and bactericidal properties. Furthermore, the stable nucleation platform ensures the adhesion and durability of the coating, resisting thrombosis and bacterial proliferation even after 15 days of PBS immersion. Overall, the SPPIA approach not only provides a new strategy for the fabrication of active protein coatings but also shows promise for the surface engineering technology of catheters.

Approaches to Biofunctionalize Polyetheretherketone for Antibacterial: A Review

Due to excellent mechanical properties and similar elastic modulus compared with human cortical bone, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has become one of the most promising orthopedic implant materials. However, implant-associated infections (IAIs) remain a challenging issue since PEEK is bio-inert. In order to fabricate an antibacterial bio-functional surface, modifications of PEEK had been widely investigated. This review summarizes the modification strategies to biofunctionalize PEEK for antibacterial. We will begin with reviewing different approaches, such as surface-coating modifications and controlled release of antimicrobials. Furthermore, blending modifications and 3D printing technology were discussed. Finally, we compare the effects among different approaches. We aimed to provide an in-depth understanding of the antibacterial modification and optimize the design of the PEEK orthopedic implant.

Macro-Microporous Surface with Sulfonic Acid Groups and Micro-Nano Structures of PEEK/Nano Magnesium Silicate Composite Exhibiting Antibacterial Activity and Inducing Cell Responses

Purpose

To improve the surface bio-properties of polyetheretherketone (PEEK)/nano magnesium silicate (n-MS) composite (PC).

Materials and Methods

The surface of PC was firstly treated by particle impact (PCP) and subsequently modified by concentrated sulfuric acid (PCPS).

Results

PCPS surface exhibited not only macropores with sizes of about 150 μm (fabricated by particle impact) but also micropores with sizes of about 2 μm (created by sulfonation of PEEK) on the macroporous walls, and sulfonic acid (-SO₃H) groups were introduced on PCPS surface. In addition, many n-MS nanoparticles were exposed on the microporous walls, which formed micro-nano structures. Moreover, the surface roughness and hydrophilicity of PCPS were obviously enhanced as compared with PC and PCP. Moreover, the apatite mineralization of PCPS in simulated body fluid (SBF) was obviously improved as compared with PC. Furthermore, compared with PC and PCP, PCPS exhibited antibacterial performances due to the presence of -SO₃H groups. In addition, the responses (eg, adhesion and proliferation as well as differentiation) of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell of rat to PCPS were significantly promoted as compared with PC and PCP.

Conclusion

PCPS with macro-microporous surface containing -SO₃H groups and micro-nano structures exhibited antibacterial activity and induced cell responses, which might possess large potential for bone substitute and repair.

Fabricating a Pickering Stabilizer from Okara Dietary Fibre Particulates by Conjugating with Soy Protein Isolate via Maillard Reaction

Okara is underutilized despite its numerous values explorable in food products. In this study, okara dietary fibre (ODF) was micronized and decorated with soy protein isolate (SPI) through a Maillard reaction by dry heating at 60 °C. The resulting ODF-SPI conjugates were thermally stable, hydrophilic rather than hydrophobic, and exhibited excellent Pickering emulsion stabilization potentials as indicated in their interfacial behaviour, microstructure, droplet sizes, emulsifying activity index (EAI) and emulsion stability index (ESI). In addition, the conjugates' structure-function relationships, amino acid profile, and emulsifying potentials are indicative of being employed in the formulation of emulsion-based foods or non-edible products.