Impact of ZrO 2 Content on the Formation of Sr-Enriched Phosphates in Al 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 Nanocomposites for Bone Tissue Engineering.
Fabio Caixeta NunesSarah Ingrid Pinto SantosLuis Alberto ColnagoPeter HammerJulieta Adriana FerreiraCarlos Eduardo AmbrosioEliria Maria Jesus Agnolon PallonePublished in: Materials (Basel, Switzerland) (2024)
This study investigates the profound impact of the ZrO 2 inclusion volume on the characteristics of Al 2 O 3 /ZrO 2 nanocomposites, particularly influencing the formation of calcium phosphates on the surface. This research, aimed at advancing tissue engineering, prepared nanocomposites with 5, 10, and 15 vol% ZrO 2 , subjecting them to chemical surface treatment for enhanced calcium phosphate deposition sites. Biomimetic coating with Sr-enriched simulated body fluid (SBF) further enhanced the bioactivity of nanocomposites. While the ZrO 2 concentration heightened the oxygen availability on nanocomposite surfaces, the quantity of Sr-containing phosphate was comparatively less influenced than the formation of calcium phosphate phases. Notably, the coated nanocomposites exhibited a high cell viability and no toxicity, signifying their potential in bone tissue engineering. Overall, these findings contribute to the development of regenerative biomaterials, holding promise for enhancing bone regeneration therapies.