The Effect of UV Treatment on Surface Contact Angle, Fibroblast Cytotoxicity, and Proliferation with Two Types of Zirconia-Based Ceramics

Abstract

UV photofunctionalization of Zirconia-based materials for abutment fabrication is a promising approach that might influence the formation of a sound peri-implant seal, thus promoting long-term soft and hard tissue implant integration. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of UV treatment of test specimens made by two different ZnO2-based ceramic materials on the hydrophilicity, cell cytotoxicity, and proliferation of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Two Zirconia-based materials, high-translucent and ultra-translucent multi-layered Zirconia (Katana, Kuraray Noritake, Japan), were used to prepare a total of 40 specimens distributed in two equally sized groups based on the material (n = 20). The same surface finishing protocol was applied for all specimens, as suggested by the manufacturer. Half the specimens from each group were treated with UV-C light for 48 h. Water contact angle (WCA), fibroblast cytotoxicity, and proliferation were investigated. The WCA values for the high-translucent Zirconia ranged from 69.9° ± 6.4° to 73.7° ± 13.9° for the treated/non-treated specimens and from 79.5° ± 12.8° to 83.4° ± 11.4° for the ultra-translucent multi-layered Zirconia, respectively. However, the difference was insignificant (F(16) = 3.50, p = 0.292). No significant difference was observed for the fibroblast cytotoxicity test. The results for proliferation revealed a significant difference, which was material-dependent (F(8) = 9.58, p = 0.005). We found that UV surface photofunctionalization of ZrO2-based materials alters the human gingival fibroblast cell viability, which might produce favourable results for cell proliferation.

Contour Analysis of Three-Dimensional Peri-Implant Mucosal Model as an Endpoint Analysis of Photofunctionalization Effects on Implant Abutment Materials

“…The chemical properties of zirconia surfaces were enhanced through UV treatment, leading to improved initial cell attachment and spreading. Previous in vitro studies mostly used the fibroblasts on zirconia surfaces or the monolayer culture of keratinocytes as the basis for evaluating the interaction between implants and soft tissues [ 15 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. The present 3D model experiment depicted more clinically relevant findings from the oral mucosa model at multiple-endpoint analyses of peri-implant tissues.…”

Current classification of zirconia in dentistry: an updated review

“…Water droplets can wet the hydrophilic zirconia surface (low contact angle) and this wetting condition that is suitable for oil-water separation is achieved by engineering the surface chemistry and surface roughness characteristics ( Rasouli et al, 2021 ). Hydrophilic surface is an important factor that affects protein absorption and human gingival fibroblasts’ cellular attachment to implant abutments ( Rutkunas et al, 2022 ; Barberi & Spriano, 2021 ; Kim et al, 2015 ) Generally, a lower contact angle promotes fibroblast attachment ( Kim et al, 2015 ).…”

Enhancing Porous Alumina Ceramics for Bioapplications Through Targeted Surface Modification Techniques

“…Chairside application of the approach has multiple advantages, include a significant reduction in surface carbon concentration as well as enhanced wetting, proliferating, and adhesion of structure to cells [27,28]. According to research conducted in 2022 by Rutkunas et al [29], UV photo functionalization of Zirconia-based materials for abutment fabrication is a promising technique that may have an impact on the development of a strong peri-implant cover and support the integration of hard and soft tissue implants over the long term. They discovered that ZrO2-based materials photo functionalized on their UV surfaces change the survival of human gingival fibroblast cells, which may have positive effects on cell proliferation [29].…”

“…According to research conducted in 2022 by Rutkunas et al [29], UV photo functionalization of Zirconia-based materials for abutment fabrication is a promising technique that may have an impact on the development of a strong peri-implant cover and support the integration of hard and soft tissue implants over the long term. They discovered that ZrO2-based materials photo functionalized on their UV surfaces change the survival of human gingival fibroblast cells, which may have positive effects on cell proliferation [29]. Henningsen et al [30] assessed and contrasted the changes in the physicochemical surface conditions of zirconia surfaces following brief exposure to UV light.…”