Germanium/niobium/polyetherketoneketone ternary biocomposite with crisscross micro-nano patterns created by femtosecond laser for enhancing bone-bonding and resisting infection.

[Display omitted] • Germanium/niobium/polyetherketoneketone ternary biocomposite was fabricated. • Crisscross micro-nano patterns on the composite created by femtosecond laser. • Composite with anti-inflammatory function boosted osteoblastic differentiation. • Composite facilitated bone-bonding and prevented infection. Loosening and infection are two main reasons for the failure of orthopedic implants. Bone-bonding strengthens the fixation/stability of implants with host bone that extends its service life. Herein, a germanium (Ge)/niobium (Nb)/polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) ternary composite (GNP) was fabricated by melting blend, and crisscross micro-nano patterns on GNP (GNPF) were created by femtosecond laser. The results displayed compared with PEKK and GNP, GNPF with micro-nano patterns displayed remarkable upgradation in surface properties with higher roughness and hydrophilicity/surface energy, etc. GNPF not only promoted osteoblast differentiation but also encouraged the M2 macrophage polarization in vitro. Moreover, GNPF inhibited the bacteria reproduction in vitro , and resisted infection in vivo owing to the sustained release of Ge ion. Further, GNPF remarkably facilitated bone-formation and bone-bonding by inhibiting fibrous capsules in vivo. The mechanism for enhancements of osteoblast response and M2 macrophage polarization in vitro , and bone-bonding in vivo for GNPF was attributed to the cooperative effect of the micro-nano patterns and sustained release of Ge/Nb ions. Consequently, GNPF with osteogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial functions boosted bone-bonding and resisted infection, thereby displaying a promising potential for construction of segmental bone defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]