Characterization and in vitro application of nano-crystalline calcia stabilized zirconia (CSZ)/copolymer composites

The ideal implant should have long stable life in the physiological environment and induce natural bone growth around implants. In this study, nano-sized particles of calcia stabilized zirconia (CSZ) was used as a filler in poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate–methylmethacrylate) p(HEMA–MMA) grafted onto chitosan copolymer to produce a bioactive composites analogous to bone. Results coming from this study confirmed that the grafting percentage of CSZ–copolymer composite was enhanced compared to the copolymer as a result of nano-sized filler. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) proved the presence of attached copolymer layer onto the filler particles for CSZ–copolymer composite. Swelling properties was reduced for CSZ–copolymer composite proving the stability and lower affinity of this composite to water molecules. In vitro tests indicate that the adsorption of calcium ions (Ca2+) and phosphate ions (PO43−) on the surface of the composites are enhanced. That was confirmed by the formation of a bone-like apatite layer. Fourier transformer infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR) post-immersion confirmed the formation of carbonate-apatite layer onto the surface of the copolymer and CSZ–copolymer composite at 3 and 21 days, respectively. SEM post-immersion showed enhanced bone-like apatite layer (calcium-phosphate layer) onto the CSZ–polymer composite compared to the copolymer. Subsequently, the formation of a bone-like apatite layer is found to be controlled by the change in content of CSZ filler.