Response of osteoblast-like cells to zirconia with different surface topography

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.