A new promising material for biological applications: multi-level physical modification of AgNPs-decorated PEEK

Abstract

In the case of polymer medical devices, the surface design plays a crucial role in contact with human tissue. The use of AgNPs as antibacterial agents is well known; however, their anchoring into the polymer surface can still be investigated. This work describes the change in surface morphology and behaviour in the biological environment of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with immobilised AgNPs after different surface modifications. The initial composites were prepared by immobilisation of silver nanoparticles from a colloid solution into the upper surface layers of polyetheretherketone (PEEK). The prepared samples (Ag/PEEK) had a planar morphology and were further modified with a KrF laser, a GaN laser, and Ar plasma. The samples were studied using the AFM method to visualise changes in surface morphology and to obtain information on the height of the structures and other surface parameters. Comparative analysis of the nanoparticles and polymers was performed using FEG-SEM. The chemical composition of the surface of the samples and optical activity were studied by XPS and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Finally, drop plate antibacterial and cytotoxicity tests were performed to determine the role of Ag nanoparticles after modification and suitability of the surface, which are important for the use of the resulting composite in biomedical applications.