Experimental Study On Biocompatibility Evaluation Of Carbon-fiber-reinforced Poiyetheretherketone In Vivo

Objective To investigate the mechanical properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced polyether-ether-ketone composite materials and to evaluate thebiocompatibility and bioactivity of carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK afterimplanted into mandibular, and to provide experimental evidence for furtherexperimental research and clinical applications.Methods27adult Japanese white rabbits were randomly divided intoexperimental group (n=9) and control group (n=18), CF/PEEK was implantedinto bilateral mandibular of the rabbits in experimental group, autologous bonewas implanted into left mandibular of positive control group while the rightsides were taken as blank control group without implants. The materials-boneinterface of samples were collected to make the observation of gross，imagingand histology and to analyze histological score after8,12, and16weeks.Results The mechanical properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK isobviously more superior than pure PEEK resin and more suitable for repairingbone defects.All the animals were no infected an secondary fractures. Obviouslycallus formation was observed on the edge of the defect in both experimentalgroup and positive control group in the imaging observation,while blank controlgroup with no obvious change. Score evaluation of local cellular immuneresponse in the8、12and16week after operation in three groups showeddecreases (P<0.05)，there was a significant decrease between8weeks and12weeks(P<0.01).At the same time,score evaluation of local cellular immuneresponse in three groups showed no significant change (P>0.05)。Trabecularbone and osteoblasts could be observed in the bone defect of both experimentalgroup and positive control group after16weeks,and blank control group wasfilled with fibrous connective tissue. Osteogenesis rate was increased in experimental group and positive control group and was better than blank control(P <0.01).Conclusion The method used to establish an animal model for reconstructionof mandibular single layer of cortical bone defect in rabbits is practicable.Themechanical properties of carbon-fiber-reinforced PEEK is obviously moresuperior than pure PEEK resin，the immune response is light after implanting，and CF/PEEK has good biocompatibility and bioactivity.