Effects of CO2 Laser Irradiation on the Surface Properties of Magnesia-Partially Stabilised Zirconia (MgO-PSZ) Bioceramic and the Subsequent Improvements in Human Osteoblast Cell Adhesion

Abstract

In order to acquire the surface properties favouring osseo-integration at the implant and bone interface, human foetal osteoblast cells (hFOB) were used in an in vitro test to examine changes in cell adhesion on a magnesia-partially stabilised zirconia (MgO-PSZ) bioceramic after CO₂ laser treatment. The surface roughness, microstructure, crystal size and surface energy of untreated and CO₂ laser-treated MgO-PSZ were fully characterised. The in vitro cell evaluation revealed a more favourable cell response on the CO₂ laser-treated MgO-PSZ than on the untreated sample. After 24-h cell incubation, no cell was observed on the MgO-PSZ, whereas a few cells attached on the CO₂ laser-treatedMgO-PSZandshowedwellspreadandgood attachment. Moreover, the cell coverage density indicating cell proliferation generally increases with CO₂ laser power densities applied in the experiments. The enhancement of the surface energy of the MgO-PSZ, especially its polar component caused by the CO₂ laser treatment, was found to play a significant role in the initial cell attaching, thus enhancing the cell growth. Moreover, the change in topography induced by the CO₂ laser treatment was identified as one of the factors influencing the hFOB cell response.