Cytotoxicity and Hemolytic Properties of Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Polyetheretherketone Biocomposites
In order to evaluate the cytocompatibility and hemolytic properties of n-HA/PEEK biocomposites the nanohydroxyapatite/polyetheretherketone (n-HA/PEEK) biocomposites were successfully prepared. The mechanical properties of the biocomposites were proximal to human bone, at the same time, they had the optimal value with the HA volume content of 5%. The PEEK and n-HA/PEEK biocomposites with different HA content extraction medium was prepared with fresh medium. Simple DMEM culture solution was taken as negative control group. The pure PEEK and 5vol.%, 15vol.%, 30vol.% n-HA/PEEK biocomposites were the testing group. The relative proliferation rate of L929 cells was determined on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th days with CCK-8 assay. The cytotoxicity of n-HA/PEEK biocomposites were evaluated according to ISO 10993-5: 2009. The L929 cells morphology and growth on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th days were determined under inverted microscope. The hemolysis test in vitro of n-HA/PEEK biocomposites were evaluated through measuring erythrocyte lysis and ferro-hemoglobin freeing degree with indirect contact method basing on ISO 10993-4:2009. The experimental results showed that the growth and morphology of cells in pure PEEK and n-HA/PEEK biocomposites extraction medium had no difference from negative control group. Cytotoxicity test showed that PEEK and n-HA/PEEK biocomposites did not have obvious toxicity on L929 cells, and the cytotoxicity of these extracts was in grade 0-1. Hemolysis test suggested that PEEK and n-HA/PEEK biocomposites did not have obvious hemolysis reaction, and the hemolysis rate of PEEK and n-HA/PEEK biocomposites were 2.37%, 1.71%, 1.05% and 1.32% respectively, which are less than the national standard (5%). It may be concluded that the n-HA/PEEK biocomposites did not have obvious cytotoxicity and hemolysis reaction, which demonstrated that n-HA/PEEK biocomposites had good cytocompatibility.