Biomimetic in situ nucleation of calcium phosphates by protein immobilization on high strength ceramic materials

Zirconia has been commonly used in the dental industry because of its excellent biological, mechanical and aesthetic properties. This material, however, is classified as nearly inert. To bioactivate the ceramic surface, biomimetic depositions of calcium phosphate coatings have been developed. We demonstrate an accelerated biomimetic coating method on zirconia using a specific pre-treatment with biological agents. We have chosen bovine serum albumin as a standard protein. Through the pre-treatment of the zirconia using a hydroxylation or additionally immobilizing the bovine serum albumin on the surface, we could influence the CaP deposition rate. Immunohistochemical analyses verified the presence of BSA on the zirconia surfaces. After immersion in simulated body fluid at 40 °C, the samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction to visualize the CaP formation. Here we could show as proof-of-principle that it is possible to accelerate biomimetic coating processes on zirconia implants containing BSA on their surface.