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Published on: June 24, 2018
Evaluation of biointegration and hydrophilicity of titanium and zirconia after vacuum-assisted
Neelima Manoj1, Ahila Singaravel Chidambaranathan, Muthukumar Balasubramanium
1Department of Prosthodontics, SRM Dental College, Ramapuram, Bharathi Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Aim:
To evaluate the hydrophilicity and cellular response of titanium and zirconia following vacuum-assisted ultraviolet (UV) photofunctionalization using the MG-63 cell line.
Setting And Design:
An in vitro study.
Materials And Methods:
12-disc-shaped titanium (Grade 4) and zirconia (10 mm diameter × 1 mm thickness) specimens were fabricated according to ISO 19403-2:2020. Specimens were divided into six groups based on the duration of photofunctionalization: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (15 s), Group 3 (30 s), Group 4 (45 s), Group 5 (60 s), and Group 6 (90 s). Surface wettability was evaluated using goniometer. Cell proliferation was assessed at 24, 48, and 72 h using the methyl thiazolyl diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay.
Statistical Analysis Used:
one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc test.
Results:
Titanium specimens showed a reduction in contact angle from 109.74° ± 0.72° in the control group to 92.33° ± 0.52° after 60 s of treatment, while zirconia showed a decrease in contact angle from 74.48° ± 0.53° to 61.27° ± 0.51°. The highest cell proliferation was observed in 60-s titanium group, with mean viabilities of 63.51%, 64.19%, and 70.21% at 24, 48, and 72 h. Zirconia demonstrated increased proliferation of 47.29%, 49.38%, and 62.70% at the same time intervals. Absorbance values at 570 nm for 60-s treatment followed a similar trend, confirming enhanced metabolic activity. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences among groups (P < 0.0001).
Conclusion:
Vacuum-assisted UV photofunctionalization effectively enhanced the surface hydrophilicity and promoted cellular proliferation on titanium and zirconium. 60-s treatment duration yielded the most favorable biological outcomes for zirconium, supporting its potential for improving early-stage biointegration in implant applications.
