ZIRYT, FHNW School of Life Sciences

Titanium implants have traditionally been used for tooth replacement. As patients increasingly demand more aesthetically pleasing and metal-free solutions, researchers are looking for suitable alternatives.

In the Nano-Argovia project ZIRYT, an interdisciplinary team is investigating how a nanostructured surface can be used to produce zirconium dioxide dental implants that offer an aesthetically pleasing and metal-free alternative to titanium implants.

Currently, the surface of the implant section anchored in the jaw is sandblasted and etched with acids in a complex process to create a suitable surface microstructure that supports the ingrowth of bone cells.

ZIRYT aims to produce a nanostructured surface using only targeted heat treatment. This is possible because, under the influence of heat, zirconium dioxide forms crystals on the surface that create the nanostructure.

ZIRYT also aims to determine how the nanostructuring of the zirconium dioxide surface affects the integration of bone tissue in vitro. Researchers are investigating how different starting materials and heat treatment processes influence the crystal structure and surface topography. Using state-of-the-art analytical methods and different cell culture models, the researchers are evaluating the interaction between implant material and tissue. This will help them determine the ideal surface structure and requirements for manufacturing.

The project will help facilitate the production of next-generation zirconium dioxide dental implants for the benefit of patients.