In vitro studies of osteoblasts response onto zinc aluminate ceramic films

Abstract

Zinc based or doped ceramics have shown to be capable of increasing osteoblasts proliferation, biomineralization and bone formation. However, studies regarding the biological applications processes in ZnAl 2 O 4 ceramic films are very scarce. For this reason, the objective of this in vitro study was to investigate the response of osteoblasts cells cultured onto ZnAl 2 O 4 films. Our results showed a good biological response related to attachment and viability, with good cell morphology attached to the semi-spherical grains of the ceramic and the analysis of mineral-like tissue showed a high quantity of mineral deposited and organized as tiny spherical-like nodules attached to nanostructure surface of ZnAl 2 O 4 material films. Based in our results, ZnAl 2 O 4 films stimulated the bioactivity of osteoblasts cells and provide a microenvironment that favors cell differentiation and mineralization processes, suggesting their potential use as osteoconductive coating onto currently orthopedic and dental implants.

Oxide Coating of Alumina Nanoporous Structure Using ALD to Produce Highly Porous Spinel

“…It was recently demonstrated that zinc‐based or doped ceramics are able to increase osteoblasts proliferation, biomineralization, and bone formation 18. The ZnAl 2 O 4 spinel compound showed a good biological response with regards to attachment and viability, with good cell morphology adhered to the semi‐spherical grains of the ceramic 19, 20. Nanoporous spinel may therefore be easily integrated for such applications.…”