Osteogenesis ability of biomimetic modified 3Y-TZP ceramic using chemical treatment

•This study successfully immobilized the peptides onto the surface of zirconia.•Acid/alkaline chemical treatment promotes the formation of − OH functional groups.•The use of phosphoric acid solution produced the formation of most − OH.•Peptides can significantly enhance cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation.

In this study, RGD peptide derived from extracellular matrix proteins was employed to modify the surface of yttria-tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (3Y-TZP) to promote cell adhesion. The surface of 3Y-TZP ceramic specimens was first modified using chemical treatment with aqueous solutions of H3PO4, CH3COOH, and NaOH, for the formation of Zr–OH surface functional groups. Then, the RGD peptide was immobilized on the surface of the 3Y-TZP through silanization method, with covalent bonding via the Zr–OH surface functional groups. From this study, the RGD peptide can successfully be grafted onto the chemical modified 3Y-TZP surface. The –OH functional groups formed on the surface of 3Y-TZP after acid/alkaline chemical treatment contribute to the grafting reaction of RGD peptides. The use of phosphoric acid solution in 3Y-TZP surface treatment before RGD peptide grafting for biomimetic modification can significantly enhance cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation.