Micro-Nano CFR-PEEK: Regulatory Code For Bone, Bacteria & Tube

To address CFR-PEEK's limited clinical use due to inertness and poor osseointegration, this study constructs a Micro-Nano CFR-PEEK via sulfonation-nitration synergy, improving osseointegration, angiogenesis, anti-osteoclast and antibacterial properties, and reveal internal mechanisms to offer implant solutions. Dynamic monitoring technology was employed to quantitatively analyze the morphological changes of CFR-PEEK treated with mixed acids (sulfuric acid and nitric acid) in different proportions. The surface structure was optimized by regulating the synergistic effect of sulfonation and nitration. The osteogenic, angiogenic, osteoclast-inhibiting, and antibacterial properties of the treated materials were evaluated, and in-vivo experiments were conducted to verify the osseointegration effect. RNA sequencing analyzed osteogenic pathways and regulatory mechanisms of Micro-Nano modified CFR-PEEK. Dynamic mixed-acid treatment precisely constructed an ideal porous structure on the surface of CFR-PEEK. Uniformly distributed nanoparticles formed unexpectedly, significantly enhancing surface area and biological activity. The modified material not only showed excellent osteogenic, angiogenic, anti-osteoclast, and antibacterial abilities with in-vivo osseointegration improvement, but RNA sequencing also revealed activation of osteogenesis-related pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin. This study first constructs a CFR-PEEK surface composite with a porous structure and uniform nanoparticles via dynamic sulfonation-nitration synergy, breaking traditional corrosion-method limitations. The modified material optimizes triple functions: osseointegration, angiogenesis, and antibacterial activity. The overall achievement provides an innovative strategy for developing high-performance dental implant materials, bearing great clinical value.