Self-Powered Peek-Based Implants for Electric-Field-Enhanced Osteogenesis

A self-powered polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK)-based orthopedic implant with active osteogenic stimulation functionality is proposed for the first time. 3D conformal circuits are directly printed on the curved surfaces of anatomically shaped implants based on the five-axis laser processing system, without complex dry or wet metal deposition processes. With optimized laser parameters, the sheet resistance of the insulating PEEK can be reduced to 2.47 Ω·sq-l. Combined with a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), the implant can harness energy from the body's natural movements and generate an alternating electric field at the injury site to stimulate cellular processes including osteogenesis. Cell culture experiments show that the self-powered PEEK-based implant promotes cell proliferation, with a 37.15% increase in the relative total attachment area compared to the negative control group. This work is part of the trend of integrating electronics and bioelectronics into medical devices, enabling more effective orthopedic treatments.