Evaluation of the effect of different polyetheretherketone materials on biofilm formation: An in vitro study

Objective: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate microorganism adhesion and biofilm formation between pure and ceramic-reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) materials. Methods: A total of 72 rectangular (8 x 8 x 4 mm) samples were prepared from pure-PEEK without filler and PEEK (Ceramicreinforced PEEK - bio high-performance polymer) containing 20% nano-ceramic filler. A profilometer contact surface measurement device was used to assess the surface roughness of the samples. PEEK groups (36 pure PEEK, 36 Ceramic-reinforced PEEK) were divided into 4 sub-groups of 9 according to the microorganism strains. Staphylococcus aureus [American Type Culture Collection (ATCC 29213)], Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC 19606), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) standard strains were used for microbiological analysis. Blocks were added to 24-well microplates containing suspensions of microorganisms and were incubated at 37 degrees C for 72 hours. Microplates were read at a wavelength of 490 nm using crystal violet. Results: No significant difference was determined between the PEEK groups in terms of surface roughness. No significant differences in biofilm formation of S. aureus , A. baummanii , E. faecalis , and C. albicans strains were found between the PEEK groups (p>0.05). In the pure -PEEK, the highest adhesion was recorded in S. aureus (p<0.001), and the lowest adhesion in C. albicans (p<0.001). In the ceramic -reinforced PEEK group, S. aureus and A. baummanii adhesions were observed more than E. faecalis and C. Albicans (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results of this investigation demonstrated no significant differences in the biofilm formation of different strains between PEEK materials. This was a preliminary study to define the biological characteristics of ceramic -reinforced PEEK. There is a need for further comparative and clinical studies on this subject.