Surface Engineering of PEEK Using Ultrashort Laser Pulses: A Pathway to Enhanced Cellular Response

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has emerged as a promising biomaterial for orthopedic and craniofacial implants due to its favorable mechanical properties and fatigue resistance; however, its inherent chemical inertness limits effective osseointegration. In this study, femtosecond laser surface modification is explored as a strategy to enhance the bioactivity of PEEK. Based on a previously performed parametric study, controlled micro- and nanoscale surface textures were fabricated using femtosecond laser processing, enabling precise tuning of surface roughness and wettability without the need for additional chemical treatment. The modified surfaces were systematically characterized in terms of morphology, composition, and topography using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), 3D profilometry, and water contact angle measurements. Four optimized femtosecond laser-generated surface architectures were selected for the present investigation and comprehensively characterized, followed by in vitro evaluation of dental pulp stem cell adhesion, morphology, and proliferation. The results indicate that laser-induced micro/nanostructuring enhances the surface properties of PEEK, while supporting cellular attachment and favorable cell–surface interaction. Differences in the biological response were observed among the optimized laser-textured surfaces. These findings highlight the feasibility of femtosecond laser texturing as a clean, reproducible, and scalable approach for the development of next-generation, personalized orthopedic implants.