Enhancing osteoblast bioactivity through SDSSD peptide-immobilized on the surface of zirconia implants

Abstract Osseointegration is the cornerstone of successful implant restoration, although it is still difficult to achieve the current zirconia implants. In this study, we have modified zirconia implants with the Ser-Asp-Ser-Ser-Asp (SDSSD) peptide, a key osteoblast-targeting constituent of dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) to enhance osteogenesis. Our design involves a series of chemical approaches to immobilize SDSSD peptide on zirconia surface and investigate their brilliant binding strength, augment biocompatibility and osteogenic properties.