Bioactivity, antibacterial activity and functionality of zirconia doped zinc phosphate bioglasses for application in dentistry

Abstract Objective Zirconia incorporated zinc phosphate bioactive glasses have been developed and assessed to know the structural strength and the capacity to form new bone bond layer (Hydroxyapatite layer) essential for the production of dental and orthopaedic implants. Methods The bioglass 8ZnO–22Na2O–(24-x)CaO–46P2O5–xZrO2 (where x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, & 0.7 mol%) was synthesized by conventional melt-quenching technique. The structural and physico-mechanical properties of glasses were investigated. For in vitro bioactivity analysis, the samples were immersed in SBF for various time periods (0, 3, 7, 14 & 21 days) and formation of hydroxyapatite layer (HAP) layer on glass surfaces was examined by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy- Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) techniques. The dissolution behavior of the glasses was evaluated by weight loss and pH measurements. Additionally, Cytotoxicity and proliferation were analyzed by culturing rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSC) for 24 h and 72 h using Cell counting kit (CCK-8) method and antibacterial activity was tested aginest Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) at different time intervals 24 h and 48 h. Results The chosen bioglasses showing enhanced bioactivity and structural properties. The formation of hydroxyapatite layer increases with the content of ZrO2 up to 0.5 mol% and decrease further increase zirconia in the glass network. pH variation and weight loss results disclosed the controlled release of Ca2+ and Zr4+ ions. All samples displaying high proliferation good cytocompatability and antibacterial activity. In addition, physico-mechanical properties increases gradually with zirconia incorporation. Significance These findings implicate that, as-synthesized bioactive glasses are showing stimulatory effects on bone growth and lead to the development of dental and orthopeadic implants.