Biocompatibility of ZrO2 vs. Y-TZP Alloys: Influence of Their Composition and Surface Topography

Abstract

The osseointegration of implants is defined as the direct anatomical and functional connection between neoformed living bone and the surface of a supporting implant. The biological compatibility of implants depends on various parameters, such as the nature of the material, chemical composition, surface topography, chemistry and loading, surface treatment, and physical and mechanical properties. In this context, the objective of this study is to evaluate the biocompatibility of rough (Ra = 1 µm) and smooth (Ra = 0 µm) surface conditions of yttria–zirconia (Y-TZP) discs compared to pure zirconia (ZrO2) discs by combining a classical toxicological test, morphological observations by SEM, and a transcriptomic analysis on an in vitro model of human Saos-2 bone cells. Similar cell proliferation rates were observed between ZrO2 and Y-TZP discs and control cells, regardless of the surface topography, at up to 96 h of exposure. Dense cell matting was similarly observed on the surfaces of both materials. Interestingly, only 110 transcripts were differentially expressed across the human transcriptome, consistent with the excellent biocompatibility of Y-TZP reported in the literature. These deregulated transcripts are mainly involved in two pathways, the first being related to “mineral uptake” and the second being the “immune response”. These observations suggest that Y-TZP is an interesting candidate for application in implantology.

Octave-spanning low-loss mid-IR waveguides based on semiconductor-loaded plasmonics

“…In addition, these coatings can also be applied in catalysis [72], [73]. In this respect, Zirconia, very similar to Titania and Alumina, is a very interesting material, because of its bio-compatibility [64], [74]- [76] and ability to serve as a host layer for surface functionalization strategies, e.g. based on mesoporous coatings [77].…”

Functionalization of a zirconia surface by covalently immobilized fibronectin and its effects on resistance to thermal, acid, and mechanical exposure

“…High performance oxide ceramics, such as zirconia and especially yttria‐stabilized zirconia (Y‐TZP), are frequently used as dental abutment material 13 . Its low Young's modulus, low thermal conductivity, high biocompatibility, and white color have made Y‐TZP an attractive alternative to titanium, the gold standard, for dental abutments 14–18 . However, because of the bioinert character of Y‐TZP, rapid bonding with soft tissue is limited.…”

“…13 Its low Young's modulus, low thermal conductivity, high biocompatibility, and white color have made Y-TZP an attractive alternative to titanium, the gold standard, for dental abutments. [14][15][16][17][18] However, because of the bioinert character of Y-TZP, rapid bonding with soft tissue is limited. For this reason, it is enormously important to choose surface functionalization strategies that can facilitate cell adhesion in order to overcome cell bonding limitations.…”

Animal Models for Investigating Osseointegration: An Overview of Implant Research over the Last Three Decades

“…Since osseointegration is defined as the direct connection between living bone and a load-carrying endosseous implant at the microscopic level [11], animal models play a vital role in translational research investigating the osseointegration process. Although there is difficulty in translating findings from in vitro research to the clinical scenario, technological advancements are enabling us to create scenarios that mimic the dynamics of the human body using organ-on-a-chip technology [12].…”