Enhancing osteogenic properties of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia ceramics via heat-treated bioactive metal ion implantation

To enhance the osseointegration capacity of yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP) ceramics, this study employed a dip-coating technique to construct calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), strontium (Sr²⁺), and zinc (Zn²⁺) acetate films on the material surface, followed by heat treatment at elevated temperatures. The surface morphology, chemical composition, and in vitro biological behavior of the modified Y-TZP were systematically evaluated. Results demonstrated that Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Sr²⁺ ion implantation layers, with a depth of approximately 500 nm, were successfully formed on the heat-treated Y-TZP surface. All ion-implanted samples exhibited stable metal oxide nanoparticles on their surfaces and sustained release of metal ions. Although Mg²⁺ implantation reduced the flexural strength of Y-TZP, it remained at 723.18 ± 128.24 MPa. In vitro cellular experiments revealed that metal ion implantation significantly promoted the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. These findings confirm that heat-treated bioactive ion implantation is an effective surface modification strategy to enhance the osteogenic properties of Y-TZP, offering economic feasibility and practical applicability.