Product Code: ICAL06_1506

CO2 Laser Irradiation of a Magnesia Partially Stabilized Zirconia (MgO-PSZ) Bioceramic and the Subsequent Improvements in Human Osteoblast Cell Adhesion
Authors:
Jonathan Lawrence, Loughborough University; Leicestershire Great Britain
Liang Hao, Loughborough University; Leicestershire Great Britain
Presented at ICALEO 2006

In order to acquire the ideal surface properties to favour osseointegration at the implant-bone interface, osteoblast cells 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 samples were fully characterised. After 24 hours cell incubation, no cells were observed on the untreated MgO-PSZ, whereas cells were seen to have attached onto the CO2 laser treated MgO-PSZ and exhibited spreading and good attachment. Moreover, the cell coverage density implied an increase in cell proliferation with increasing CO2 laser power density. 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 attachment process, thereby leading to enhanced cell growth. Also, the change in topography induced by the CO2 laser treatment was identified as one of the factors influencing the osteoblast cell response.