Engineered 3D-Printable Nanohydroxyapatite Biocomposites with Cold Plasma-Tailored Surface Features to Boost Osseointegration

Abstract

<p>Medical implants, being biomaterials with increasing global use, continue to attract researchers focused on enhancing clinical performance. In situations requiring bone substitutes, there is a search for advancements in synthetic graft biomaterials, with polymer-based implants being one of the potential materials. Thus, this study aims to develop versatile nanohydroxyapatite (<em>n</em>HAP) biocomposites that can not only be generalized by resin composite systems but also be applicable for 3D printing, overcoming the limitations associated with traditional implants. Polymeric biocomposites are prepared by incorporating <em>n</em>HAPs and strontium-doped SiO₂ glass particles (GPs) into a photocurable methacrylate monomer system, followed by 3 min of cold atmosphere plasma irradiation. In light of our findings, this medical implant possesses strong mechanical strength. Its surface hydrophilicity is enhanced through cold plasma treatment, which involves surface dry etching with nanoscale precision and exposing the embedded nanofillers to the outmost surface. This cold plasma treatment also induces osteogenic activity <em>in vitro</em> and bone integration <em>in vivo</em>. Furthermore, the 3D printability is demonstrated through the fabrication of a gyroid lattice structure. Collectively, this <em>n</em>HAP-biocomposite exhibits promising biomechanical and biological properties, providing potential for revolutionizing future implant applications in dental and maxillofacial reconstruction as well as orthopedic interbody fusion.<br></p>