Development, characterization, and biological study of bioglass coatings 45S5 and BioK on zirconia implant surfaces

Zirconia implants are gaining attention as a viable alternative to titanium implants due to their comparable osseointegration development, improved soft tissue adaptation, and enhanced aesthetics. An encouraging avenue for improving zirconia implant properties involves the potential application of bioactive coatings to their surfaces. These coatings have shown potential for inducing hydroxyapatite formation, crucial for bone proliferation, and improving implant mechanical properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of coating zirconia implants with two bioactive glasses, 45S5 and BioK, on osteogenesis in vitro and osseointegration in vivo. Zirconia samples and implants were prepared using Zpex zirconia powder and blocks, respectively. The samples were divided into three groups: polished zirconia (ZRC), zirconia coated with 45S5 bioglass (Z + 45S5), and zirconia coated with BioK glass (Z + BK). Coatings were applied using a brush and sintered at 1200(o)C. Chemical analysis of the coatings was carried out using x-ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Surface topography and roughness were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and a roughness meter. In vitro experiments used mesenchymal cells from Wistar rat femurs, and the coated zirconia implants were found to promote cell viability, protein synthesis, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization, indicating enhanced osteogenesis. In vivo experiments with 18 rats showed positive results for bone formation and osseointegration through histological and histomorphometric analysis and a push-out test. The findings indicate that bioactive glass coatings have the potential to improve cell differentiation, bone formation, and osseointegration in zirconia implants.