Fabrication and In Vitro Biological Evaluation of Zirconia Ceramics with 58S Bioglass via Vacuum Pressure Infiltration for Dental Implant

Abstract

Due to its excellent biocompatibility, high mechanical strength, and favorable aesthetic effects, zirconia ceramics is considered as a potential dental implant material. However, the biological inertness of zirconia results in a lack of osseointegration. Herein, a newly modified zirconia ceramic with 58S bioglass (BG) is fabricated via vacuum pressure infiltration method. The effects of BG sol infiltration time on the microstructure, phase composition, mechanical properties, mineralization ability, surface profile and roughness, ions release, protein adsorption, and cell behavior in vitro of zirconia ceramics are investigated. The zirconia ceramics have a micronano surface structure as well as active ions’ releasing ability, improving the osseointegration ability of it synergistically. Compared to unmodified zirconia ceramics, BG‐modified zirconia ceramics not only maintains excellent mechanical strength, but also can enhance the bioactivity, cell adhesion, spreading, and osteoblast differentiation. Besides, the results of q‐polymerase chain reaction show that BG‐modified zirconia ceramics can promote the expressions of osteogenesis‐related genes, including collagen type I (Col‐I), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OPN), and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), compared to the control group. In summary, research suggests that BG bioactive zirconia ceramics can be a potential candidate for dental implant.