biostudies-literatureBasgul CNIGMS NIH HHS2124https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12406975biostudies-literatureUnknown10(2)In this study, our goal was to assess the suitability of a polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) polymer composite for antimicrobial three-dimensional (3D)-printed cervical cages. Generic cage designs (PEEK and 15 vol.% Si₃N₄-PEEK) were 3D-printed, including solid and porous cage designs. Cages were tested in static compression, compression shear, and torsion per ASTM F2077. For antibacterial testing, virgin and composite filament samples were inoculated with <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i>. <i>In vitro</i> cell testing was conducted using MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts, where cell proliferation, cumulative mineralization, and osteogenic activity were measured. The 3D-printed PEEK and Si<sub>3</subInternational journal of bioprintingExploring the mechanical strength, antimicrobial performance, and bioactivity of 3D-printed silicon nitride-PEEK composites in cervical spinal cages.PMC12406975R41 GM146268Hickok NJBasgul CDeSantis PKurtz SMDerr TBock RMfalseExploring the mechanical strength, antimicrobial performance, and bioactivity of 3D-printed silicon nitride-PEEK composites in cervical spinal cages.In this study, our goal was to assess the suitability of a polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) polymer composite for antimicrobial three-dimensional (3D)-printed cervical cages. Generic cage designs (PEEK and 15 vol.% Si₃N₄-PEEK) were 3D-printed, including solid and porous cage designs. Cages were tested in static compression, compression shear, and torsion per ASTM F2077. For antibacterial testing, virgin and composite filament samples were inoculated with <i>Staphylococcus epidermidis</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i>. <i>In vitro</i> cell testing was conducted using MC3T3-E1 mouse preosteoblasts, where cell proliferation, cumulative mineralization, and osteogenic activity were measured. The 3D-printed PEEK and Si<sub>3</sub2024-01-01T00:00:00Z20242026-05-29T21:43:04.226Z2026-04-08T06:05:50.322ZS-EPMC124069754090918410.36922/ijb.2124