# Enhancing Osseointegration of PEEK with Straight Forward Chemical Derivation Strategy

> **NIH NIH R21** · ALLEGHENY-SINGER RESEARCH INSTITUTE · 2020 · $185,791

## Abstract

Project Abstract:
The on growth of bone to in hard tissue implants is a critical factor in the positive health outcomes of these
medical procedures. In order for a material to enable bone on growth the implant material’s interface with the
body must have a surface conducive for cellular attachment and growth. Therefore methods to improve an
implant materials ability to foster cell growth and adhesion are critical for the creation of next generation
surgical implant devices and enhanced medical outcomes.
Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) is a important biocompatible polymer implant used in a range of hard tissue
applications including spine, long bone, skull flap, and orthopedic applications. PEEK’s major limitation relates
to its inert surface and lack of surface charge leading to poor cellular attachment and the potential for implant
failure. In this proposal we study how a facile aqueous based surface modification of PEEK impacts that
materials ability to promote cell growth in vitro and promote bone on growth in vivo.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10057484
- **Project number:** 1R21AR076525-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** ALLEGHENY-SINGER RESEARCH INSTITUTE
- **Principal Investigator:** Saadyah Averick
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $185,791
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-08-01 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10057484

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10057484, Enhancing Osseointegration of PEEK with Straight Forward Chemical Derivation Strategy (1R21AR076525-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10057484. Licensed CC0.

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