Graphene Oxide-Modified Polyetheretherketone with Excellent Antibacterial Properties and Biocompatibility for Implant Abutment

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implant abutments are widely used in implant dentistry; however, they do not protect the implant against infections. We demonstrated that graphene oxide (GO) coating enhances the integration between implant surfaces and gingival tissues, which is crucial for peri-implant health. The GO coating was tightly fixed onto the PEEK surface by doping with dopamine which is self-polymerized into poly-dopamine (PDA). The in vitro study included antimicrobial and cellular tests. It revealed the inhibition of bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Moreover, it exhibited good adhesion and proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Our results revealed that the PEEK-PDA-GO coating resisted bacteria and protected soft tissues against peri-implant complications.