Graphene Oxide-Modified Polyetheretherketone with Excellent Antibacterial Properties and Biocompatibility for Implant Abutment

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implant abutments are widely used in implant dentistry; however, they do not protect the implant against infections. We demonstrated that graphene oxide (GO) coating enhances the integration between implant surfaces and gingival tissues, which is crucial for peri-implant health. The GO coating was tightly fixed onto the PEEK surface by doping with dopamine which is self-polymerized into poly-dopamine (PDA). The in vitro study included antimicrobial and cellular tests. It revealed the inhibition of bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis ( P. gingivalis ), Fusobacterium nucleatum ( F. nucleatum ), and Streptococcus mutans ( S. mutans ). Moreover, it exhibited good adhesion and proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Our results revealed that the PEEK-PDA-GO coating resisted bacteria and protected soft tissues against peri-implant complications.