Polycrystalline particulates synthesized on zirconia for enhanced bioactivity: An in vitro study

Abstract Zirconia is a promising material for dental implant with its excellent biocompatibility, good mechanical properties, and esthetic effect similar to natural teeth. To improve the bioactivity and osteogenic properties of zirconia, pre‐sintered zirconia discs were divided into C, T 3 , T 5 , and T 7 group. Group C was as control. T 3 , T 5 , and T 7 groups were soaked in hydrofluoric acid (HF) for 30, 50, and 70 s, respectively. Then, they were placed into CaCl 2 solution and heated in NaOH solution. After sintering, the samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, and X‐ray diffraction, which confirmed the ZrO 2 polycrystalline particulates in situ synthesized on the treated sample discs. The surface roughness of the treated samples was increased with the prolonged of acid treatment time ( p < .05), while the three‐point bending strength did not decrease significantly ( p > .05). MC3T3‐E1 cells were cultured on zirconia discs to evaluate the bioactivity and osteogenic effect of modified zirconia. The living&dead fluorescence staining and CCK‐8 assay showed that the specimens were non‐toxic and significantly promoted cell proliferation. In addition, the cell proliferation was enhanced with the increase of zirconia surface roughness. Polycrystalline particles modified zirconia were beneficial to cell spreading. After osteogenic induction, MC3T3‐E1 cells inoculated on modified zirconia exhibited higher alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization activity and up‐regulated osteogenesis‐related gene expression. Above all, in situ synthesized polycrystalline particulates significantly improve the biological activity of zirconia, which will promote the widespread application of zirconia implants.