The Effect of UV Treatment on the Osteoconductive Capacity of Zirconia-Based Materials

• Published in: Materials 2016-11, Vol.9 (12), p.958-958
• Main Authors: Brezavšček, Miha, Fawzy, Ahmed, Bächle, Maria, Tuna, Taskin, Fischer, Jens, Att, Wael
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biocompatibility; Biological activity; Biomechanics; Biomedical materials; Bone surgery; Contact angle; Dentistry; Disks; Electrons; Light; Mechanical properties; Microscopy; Orthopedics; Scanning electron microscopy; Surface properties; Surgical implants; Titanium; Transplants & implants; Ultraviolet radiation; Zirconium dioxide
• ISSN: 1996-1944; 1996-1944
• DOI: 10.3390/ma9120958

Improvements in the bioactivity of zirconia implants for accelerated healing and reduced morbidity have been of continuing interest in the fields of dentistry and orthopedic surgery. The aim of the present study was to examine whether UV treatment increases the osteoconductivity of zirconia-based materials. Smooth and rough zirconia-based disks and cylindrical implants were treated with UV light for 15 min and subsequently placed in rat femurs. Surface characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and contact angle measurements. In vivo histomorphometry revealed that the percentage of bone-implant contact and the amount of bone volume, formed around UV-treated implants, increased by 3-7-fold for smooth surfaces and by 1.4-1.7-fold for rough surfaces compared to non-treated specimens at Weeks 2 and 4 of healing, respectively. A biomechanical test showed that UV treatment accelerated the establishment of bone-zirconia integration and enhanced the strength of the bone-implant interface by two-fold. Additionally, surface characterization of the zirconia disks revealed that UV treatment decreased the amount of surface carbon and converted the hydrophilic status from hydrophobic to superhydrophilic. This study indicates that UV light pretreatment enhances the osteoconductive capacity of zirconia-based materials.