An Ion‐Based Strategy Toward Synergistic Surface Functionalization Combining the Osteogenic Properties and NIR‐Mediated Antibacterial Activity of PEEK

Abstract

ABSTRACT Persistent implant‐associated infections critically compromise the longevity and success of orthopedic prostheses. Herein, we present a facile surface‐engineering strategy to construct a multifunctional PEEK‐based implant by introducing manganese‐chelated polydopamine (Mn@p) and mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) onto sulfonated PEEK (SPEEK). The resulting Mn@p/MBG‐SPEEK exhibits a hierarchically porous three‐dimensional architecture with markedly enhanced hydrophilicity and surface roughness. This tailored interface shows in vitro bioactivity and cytocompatibility, significantly promoting the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells through the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and AP‐1 signaling pathways, as evidenced by the upregulation of ALP, OCN, OPN, and Runx2 expression. Meanwhile, the pro‐angiogenic potential of Mn@p/MBG‐SPEEK is supported by the upregulation of VEGF and CD31 in HUVECs and enhanced capillary‐like network formation. Notably, Mn@p/MBG‐SPEEK demonstrates efficient light‐to‐heat conversion and potent antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus under near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations further reveal that Mn chelation narrows the HOMO‐LUMO energy gap and facilitates charge separation, thereby amplifying photothermal and ROS‐mediated antibacterial effects. Collectively, this study establishes a versatile and scalable route to enhance the biological performance of PEEK implants, offering a conceptual framework for integrating ion‐assisted therapy with phototherapy toward next‐generation bioactive and infection‐resistant orthopedic materials.