Osteogenic potential of non thermal biocompatible atmospheric pressure plasma treated zirconia: In vitro study

Zirconia has recently gained importance as a dental implant material due to its favourable properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the osteogenic potential of Non Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma treated YTZP using O₂ and N₂ gases. The proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic cell-line MC3T3-E1 was tested using dielectric barrier discharge plasma as a new technique. YTZP discs were divided into control (untreated) and plasma (O₂ or N₂) treated groups on which MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells were seeded. The specimens were tested for cell cytotoxicity and differentiation and surface characteristics were analysed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and contact angle analysis. Surface analysis indicated generation of zirconium oxide nanoparticles on the discs and the contact angle decreased slightly on treatment with O₂ and N₂ gas. XPS and EDS analysis revealed the structural effects on YTZP surface due to plasma treatment. Alizarin Red Staining indicated increased osteogenic response on plasma coated YTZP discs (N₂Effect > O₂Effect). The overall effect of plasma surface treatment was positive for MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. The results suggest that plasma treatment improves the YTZP surface and is favourable for osteogenesis.