In situ preparation of porous metal-organic frameworks ZIF-8@Ag on poly-ether-ether-ketone with synergistic antibacterial activity

Poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is a promising material in oral repair and orthopedic implantation field due to its stability and proper elastic modulus. However, the lack of simple but effective strategy to functionalize PEEK and improve its antibacterial function hinders its further biomedical application. In this study, a sulfonated 3D porous PEEK is fabricated via sulfonation treatment, and then decorated with the in situ synthesized zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), in which Ag + ions were loaded with high loading capacity. Surface morphology, roughness, chemical composition and hydrophilicity of all the substrates were evaluated in details, suggesting Ag + ions loaded ZIF-8 on sulfonated PEEK (SPZA) was successfully prepared. The antibacterial activity of pristine and functionalized PEEK was evaluated by inhibition zone test, spread plate assay, growth curve, and morphology of bacteria. Experimental results demonstrate that the SPZA has effectively bacteriostatic performance against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). The excellent antimicrobial activity is attributed to the synergistic effect of Ag + and Zn 2+ ions released continuously from SPZA. This work provides a promising route for surface modification of PEEK and offer a potential candidate for biomedical implants.