Osteogenic function of BMP2-modified PEEK scaffolds for orbital fracture repair

Abstract Objective: This study aimed to investigate the osteogenic function of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) scaffolds modified with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and its possibility for orbital fracture repair. Methods: The 3D-printed PEEK sheets were combined with BMP2-loaded hyaluronic acid hydrogel (HAH) to fabricate PEEK-BMP2-HAH composite scaffolds. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were seeded onto PEEK or PEEK-BMP2-HAH scaffolds. Cell adhesion and cell proliferation were measured by transmission electron microscopy and CCK-8 assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) chromogenic, alizarine red S staining, and PCR analysis of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), collagen-I (Col-I), Osterix, and osteopontin (OPN) were performed to assess osteogenic activity. The rat orbital fracture defect model is proposed for evaluating the biocompatibility, osteogenic integration, and functional recovery of PEEK orbital implants. Results: Compared with PEEK, cell adhesion and cell proliferation were increased in PEEK-BMP2-HAH scaffolds. ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation were increased in PEEK-BMP2-HAH scaffolds than that in PEEK The mRNA expression of Runx2, Osterix, Col-I and OPN was increased on PEEK-BMP2-HAH scaffolds than that on PEEK at 14 days of osteogenic induction. Besides, a bone defect animal model revealed that BMP2-HAH-modified PEEK scaffolds could effectively facilitate the repair of the orbital bone defect, with increased expression of OPN and Runx2. Conclusions: BMP2-loaded HAH effectively increased adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs on PEEK. PEEK-BMP2-HAH scaffolds are expected to become new materials for orbital fracture repair.