Assessing the Biocompatibility of Composite Consisting from Polyether Ether Ketone Reinforced by Silicon Carbide Nanofiller

Background and Objective: The comparison between commercially pure titanium and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) highlights significant differences in their mechanical properties and biological interactions, influencing their suitability as dental implant materials. The present study aims to conduct a biological evaluation of PEEK and PEEK-SiC composite dental implants, focusing on their biocompatibility and cytotoxicity. Methods: In this laboratory study, PEEK composites (PEEK and SiC) were categorized into five groups, with particular weight percentage ratios of (0% wt., 1.5%wt., 2.5%wt., 4%wt. in 24h and 48h) via a compounding by melt blending by Internal Mixer at 365ºC for 5min. Samples were prepared in the form of sheets, cutting and machining into desired shapes. All tests were done according to (ISO 10993 2009). The test involves various steps including sample preparation, sterilization, cell culture, MTT cytotoxicity test, morphology and cell attachment observation in addition to EDS analysis. Findings: The findings from the experiments demonstrated that PEEK and its nanocomposite variants exhibited no toxic effects on the cells. Cell viability in the control group was 94.46±0.432 and in the 2G group was 90.73±0.411 in 48 hours. In addition, the cells demonstrated strong adhesion to these materials, underwent significant proliferation, and established a compact cell layer. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that PEEK and PEEK-SiC nanocomposite did not cause any toxic effects on cells. Moreover, surface characteristics of both the polymer and nanocomposite samples presented biocompatible environments conducive to optimal cell growth.