2. Academic Validation
  3. Triple-modified PEEK surface via plasma treatment, polydopamine coating and chlorhexidine: Assessment of biocompatibility and antibacterial properties

Triple-modified PEEK surface via plasma treatment, polydopamine coating and chlorhexidine: Assessment of biocompatibility and antibacterial properties

  • Dent Mater. 2025 Jun;41(6):730-744. doi: 10.1016/j.dental.2025.04.004.
Tao Yang 1,  Yuan Zhang 2,  Zhenhua Gao 3,  Beibei Li 4
Affiliations

Affiliations

  • 1 Outpatient Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 9, Fanjiacun Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, China. Electronic address: oyt0624@163.com.
  • 2 First Clinical Division of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices& Beijing Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & NHC Key Laboratory of Digital Stomatology & NMPA Key Laboratory for Dental Materials, No.22, Zhongguancun South Avenue, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China. Electronic address: 13501160849@163.com.
  • 3 Department of Dental Implant Center Beijing Stomatological Hospital School of Stomatology Capital Medical University, No. 9, Fanjiacun Road, Fengtai, District, Beijing 100070, China. Electronic address: gaozhenhua2211@126.com.
  • 4 Department of Dental Implant Center Beijing Stomatological Hospital School of Stomatology Capital Medical University, No. 9, Fanjiacun Road, Fengtai, District, Beijing 100070, China. Electronic address: drlee1987@sina.cn.
PMID: 40251086 DOI: 10.1016/j.dental.2025.04.004
Abstract

Objective: To develop and evaluate a novel surface modification strategy for polyetheretherketone (PEEK) that combines cold plasma treatment with dopamine-crosslinked chlorhexidine (CHX) to enhance both soft tissue integration and antimicrobial properties for potential dental applications.

Methods: PEEK surfaces were modified through cold plasma treatment followed by polydopamine (PDA) coating and CHX functionalization. Surface characterization was performed by SEM, FTIR, XPS, profilometer and contact angle measurements. A 15-day CHX in vitro release test was conducted to evaluate the drug delivery profile of the modified surfaces. Biological response was evaluated through human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) cultures, examining cell adhesion and proliferation capacity. Antimicrobial efficacy was systematically evaluated through Bacterial viability, colony enumeration, biofilm formation, and adhesion analysis.

Results: The P-PDA-CHX modification significantly improved surface hydrophilicity, reducing contact angles from 83.6 ± 3.1° to 24.2 ± 4.2°. Surface roughness of P-PDA-CHX (0.38 ± 0.029 μm) was significantly higher than that of the P-PDA (0.28 ± 0.048 μm) and P-CHX (0.33 ± 0.033 μm) groups (p < 0.05). Compared to unmodified surfaces, the modified surfaces demonstrated enhanced HGFs proliferation and adhesion, with cells showing improved spreading and cytoskeletal organization. The P-PDA-CHX coating exhibited sustained chlorhexidine release over 15 days and demonstrated superior Antibacterial properties, significantly reducing Bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation while maintaining excellent biocompatibility with HGFs.

Significance: This surface modification strategy offers a promising approach for improving PEEK's biological and Antibacterial properties. The combination of cold plasma treatment, PDA coating, and CHX functionalization provides a solution to enhance both cellular response and Bacterial resistance, which could benefit various dental applications of PEEK Materials, including customized abutments, where tissue integration and Bacterial control are essential.

Keywords

Antibacterial effect; Biocompatibility; Chlorhexidine (CHX); Polydopamine (PDA); Polyetheretherketone (PEEK); Surface modification.

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