Surface characteristics of dental implants: A review.

Novel hydroxyethyl chitosan/cellulose scaffolds with bubble-like porous structure for bone tissue engineering.

Surface properties play a critical role in influencing cell responses to a biomaterial. The objectives of this study were (1) to characterize changes in surface properties of zirconia (ZrO2) ceramic after oxygen plasma treatment; and (2) to determine the effect of such changes on biological responses of human osteoblast-like cells (MG63). The results indicated that the surface morphology was not changed by oxygen plasma treatment. In contrast, oxygen plasma treatment to ZrO2 not only resulted in an increase in hydrophilicity, but also it retained surface hydrophilicity after 5-min treatment time. More importantly, surface properties of ZrO2 modified by oxygen plasma treatment were beneficial for cell growth, whereas the surface roughness of the materials did not have a significant efficacy. It is concluded that oxygen plasma treatment was certified to be effective in modifying the surface state of ZrO2 and has the potential in the creation and maintenance of hydrophilic surfaces and the enhancement of cell proliferation and differentiation.

Enhanced Hydrophilicity and Biocompatibility of Dental Zirconia Ceramics by Oxygen Plasma Treatment

Influence of ultraviolet photofunctionalization on the surface characteristics of zirconia-based dental implant materials.

UV-A and UV-C light induced hydrophilization of dental implants.

The objectives of this study were to characterize change in surface properties of tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (TZP) after hydrophilic treatment, and to determine the effect of such changes on initial attachment of osteoblast-like cells. Roughened surfaces were produced by alumina-blasting and acid-etching. Hydrophilic treatment comprised application of immediately after blasting and acid-etching (Blast/Etch), oxygen plasma (O2-Plasma), ultraviolet light (UV). Specimens stored in air were used as a control. The water contact angle was determined and surface analysis was performed using an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Blast/Etch, O2-Plasma and UV specimens showed superhydrophilicity, and these hydrophilic treatments to TZP elicited a marked decrease in carbon content and an increase in hydroxyl groups. Hydrophilic treatments enhanced initial attachment of osteoblast-like cells and a change in cell morphologies. These results indicate that Blast/Etch, O2-Plasma, or UV treatment has potential in the creation and maintenance of superhydrophilic surfaces and enhancing initial attachment of osteoblast-like cells.

Hiroaki Watanabe

Papers

Change in surface properties of zirconia and initial attachment of osteoblastlike cells with hydrophilic treatment