Bioactivation of inert alumina ceramics by hydroxylation.
Alumina ceramics (Al(2)O(3)) are frequently used for medical implants and prostheses because of the excellent biocompatibility, and the high mechanical reliability of the material. Inauspiciously alumina is not suitable for implant components with bone contact, because the material is bioinert and thereby no bony ongrowth, and subsequently loosening of the implant occurs. Here, we present a new method to bioactivate the surface of the material. Specimens made of high purity alumina were treated in sodium hydroxide. Cell culture tests with osteoblast-like cells as well as spectroscopical and mechanical tests were performed. Aluminium hydroxide groups were detected on the surface of the treated specimens. Enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation and secretion of osteocalcin were determined after hydroxylation. The bioactivating treatment had no deteriorating effect on the short- and long-term strength behaviour. Our results indicate that the described surface technique could be used to develop a new class of osseointegrative high-strength ceramic implants.
Fischer
Horst
H
Department of Ceramics and Refractory Materials, RWTH Aachen University, Mauerstrasse 5, D-52064 Aachen, Germany. h.fischer@rwth-aachen.de
Niedhart
Christopher
C
Kaltenborn
Nadine
N
Prange
Andreas
A
Marx
Rudolf
R
Niethard
Fritz Uwe
FU
Telle
Rainer
R
D000537:Aluminum Oxide / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000502:physiology; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D006900:Hydroxylation; D008422:Materials Testing; D016348:Osseointegration / Q000502:physiology; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D015675:Osteocalcin / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide / Q000737:chemistry; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D013718:Tensile Strength
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D015675:Osteocalcin; D012972:Sodium Hydroxide; D000537:Aluminum Oxide