119: Spine Implant Biocompatibility

We aimed to optimize the biocompatibility of ClariVy™ Cervical IBF System implants. The ClariVy™ Cervical IBF System consists of spinal implants made from polyether-ketone-ketone polymer (PEKK). Though this polymer shows much potential due to its high biocompatibility, it remains biologically inert, which prevents it from reacting to tissue cells and ultimately rejects cell adhesion. PEKK emerged as the newest polymer implant material, following the similar polymer PEEK (poly-ether-ether-ketone). This polymer contained similar properties to PEKK, such as high biocompatibility. Ultimately, both failed to promote cell adhesion, which is critical for osseointegration between cervical spine cells and the implant. We explored nanohydroxyapatite as an optimal surface coating to increase cell adhesion to the implant surface. Nanohydroxyapatite (HA) showed increasing potential to promote cell adhesion to bioinert materials. We conducted cell culture studies on coated and non-coated PEEK and PEKK samples. We compared the results of HA and titanium spray coating—another standard implant coating material—to observe cell growth, viability and adhesion to the sample surfaces.