A Clean, Rapid, and Controllable Approach for Establishing Bioactive Surfaces on Zirconia Implants

Zirconia implants have great application prospects due to their favorable biocompatibility and esthetic properties. However, the percentage of osseointegration of zirconia implants is lower than that of titanium implants. This study, structures bioactive surfaces on zirconia using a femtosecond laser combined with hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals and evaluates the surface morphology, functional groups, crystal phase, mechanical performance, and cell response. The results revealed that calcium phosphate deposition coincided with the establishment of micro-grooves on the zirconia surface. The crystal composition and flexural strength of zirconia showed no significant changes after the surface treatment. Furthermore, the modified surface promoted cell adhesion and proliferation through adjustments in cell morphology. The findings suggest that the combination of femtosecond laser and HA crystals offers a clean, rapid, and controllable approach to preparing bioactive surfaces for zirconia implants. A femtosecond laser combined with hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals is used to modify the zirconia surface. After the surface treatment, bioactive calcium phosphate deposition coincided with the micro-grooves established. Both the adhesion and proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells are promoted on the modified zirconia surface. The findings suggest that the combination of femtosecond laser and HA crystals offers a clean, rapid, and controllable approach for zirconia implants.image