Synergistic Promotion of Vascular-Bone Regeneration with Poly (Ether-Ether-Ketone)/Calcium Silicate Composites through Surface Modification and Release of Bioactive Ions in Cranial Repair.

Bone reconstruction is a complex and continuous process that is closely related to the formation of blood vessels and bone. In this study, a strategy has been developed to fabricate the poly (ether-ether-ketone)/calcium silicate (PEEK/CS) scaffold with patterned microstructure and oxygen-containing functional groups for cranial repair through promoting angiogenesis and accelerating new bone formation. The hydrophilic property and protein adsorption of the scaffold were significantly improved due to surface modification. In vitro experiments demonstrate that the surface-modified PEEK/CS scaffold has good biocompatibility, effectively stimulates the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs through adjusting the aspect ratio of cells and released ions, significantly improves the proliferation, migration, and tubular network formation of HUVECs. Animal experiments have shown that surface-modified PEEK/CS scaffolds can significantly promote vascular regeneration and the formation of new bone tissue. Most interestingly, results show that these blood vessels degrade after the repair of bone defects is completed. This study not only paves the way for expanding the application of PEEK-based implants in the repair of hard tissue injuries, but also deepens the understanding of the relationship between angiogenesis and new bone formation during bone repair.