Evaluation of cytotoxicity of polyetheretherketone (peek) as a dental implant material

Purpose: PEEK (polyetheretherketone) is a synthetic polymer being used increasingly as a dental implant material due to its iso-elastic nature and enhanced mechanical properties. This study analysed the cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of PEEK which helps to improve its bioactivity and ensure widened clinical prospects in future. Methods: Samples of PEEK dental implant material were added to murine T3T fibroblasts which were cultured in Dulbecco’s modified eagle medium at 37ºc. After 24 hours incubation at 37ºc and 5% carbon dioxide, the medium was replaced with 200 micro litre of medium which contained extracts of PEEK implant material. Cell morphology was analysed using Motic Inverted Microscope. Results: The result for biocompatibility of PEEK as a dental implant material when evaluated using Colony-forming unit fibroblast assay, was positive showing no signs of cytotoxicity. Conclusion: With analogous physical and mechanical properties to bone, PEEK has proved to be a potent biocompatible dental implant material.