Nanoroughening of sandblasted 3Y-TZP surface by alumina coating deposition for improved osseointegration and bacteria reduction

Zirconia-based (3Y-TZP) dental implants are being introduced as an alternative to established titanium counterparts. As 3Y-TZP’s bioinertness poses a challenge to osseointegration, modifications of the implants’ surface are necessary. Roughening is a common method to improve the cell response and should ideally combine micro- and nano-scale features. Here we show a simple synthesis procedure for the nano-roughening of sandblasted 3Y-TZP by precipitation of a nanostructured alumina coating. As-modified surfaces were characterised regarding their morphology and phase composition, roughness, wetting behaviour and zeta potential, and correlated to the behaviour of human osteoblasts and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Osteoblasts were successfully cultured on all surfaces regardless of their modification. Surfaces exhibiting a combination of micro- and nano-roughening performed best regarding initial attachment and proliferation of osteoblasts. Alumina-coated surfaces also limited the bacterial adhesion.