The objectives of this study were to characterize change in surface properties of tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (TZP) after hydrophilic treatment, and to determine the effect of such changes on initial attachment of osteoblast-like cells. Roughened surfaces were produced by alumina-blasting and acid-etching. Hydrophilic treatment comprised application of immediately after blasting and acid-etching (Blast/Etch), oxygen plasma (O2-Plasma), ultraviolet light (UV). Specimens stored in air were used as a control. The water contact angle was determined and surface analysis was performed using an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Blast/Etch, O2-Plasma and UV specimens showed superhydrophilicity, and these hydrophilic treatments to TZP elicited a marked decrease in carbon content and an increase in hydroxyl groups. Hydrophilic treatments enhanced initial attachment of osteoblast-like cells and a change in cell morphologies. These results indicate that Blast/Etch, O2-Plasma, or UV treatment has potential in the creation and maintenance of superhydrophilic surfaces and enhancing initial attachment of osteoblast-like cells.

The objective of this study was to clarify the effect of surface topography on osteoblast-like cell behavior on yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (TZP). Mirror-polished; blasted with 50-or 150-µm alumina (SB50 and SB150); and SB150 acid-etched with hydrofluoric acid (SB150E) were prepared on TZP. Initial attachment, proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 were evaluated. The scanning electron microscopy and Sdr (developed interfacial area ratio) values indicated that both micro-and nano-topographies produced on the SB150E surfaces. Although no clear differences were observed in initial cell attachment among specimens, the proliferation rate and expression of ALP activity on the SB150E specimens was significantly higher than that on the other specimens. These results indicate that the creation of micro-and nano-topographies on TZP by surface treatment offers a promising method of enhancing the proliferation and differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells.