The influence of UV irradiation on the biological properties of MAO-formed ZrO2

► We evaluated the biocompatibility of MAO ZrO2 and MAO-UV ZrO2 by in vitro and in vivo tests. ► We evaluated the influence of UV irradiation on cell response. ► We evaluated the influence of UV irradiation on new bone formation and bond of bone-material. ► UV irradiation may reduce the cytotoxicity of MAO ZrO2. ► MAO-UV ZrO2 may be more suitable to be implanted in living bodies for a long time than MAO ZrO2.