Influence of surface topography and surface physicochemistry on wettability of zirconia (tetragonal zirconia polycrystal)

Surface modification technologies are available for tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (TZP) to enhance its bioactivity and osseointegration capability. The surface wettability of an implant material is one of the important factors in the process of osseointegration, possibly regulating protein adsorption, and subsequent cell behavior. The aim of this study was to clarify the effect of topographical or physicochemical modification of TZP ceramics on wettability to determine the potential of such treatment in application to implants. Several types of surface topography were produced by alumina blasting and acid etching with hydrofluoric acid; surface physicochemistry was modified with oxygen (O2) plasma, ultraviolet (UV) light, or hydrogen peroxide treatment. The obtained specimens were also subjected to storage under various conditions to evaluate their potential to maintain superhydrophilicity. The results showed that surface modification of surface topography or physicochemistry, especially of blast/acid etching as well as O2 plasma and UV treatment, greatly increased the surface wettability, resulting in superhydrophilicity. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that a remarkable decrease in carbon content and the introduction of hydroxyl groups were responsible for the observed superhydrophilicity. Furthermore, superhydrophilicity was maintained, even after immersion in an aqueous solution, an important consideration in the clinical application of this technology. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.