Laser patterns on the surface properties of 3YSZ-Barium titanate composites; investigating its antibacterial properties and cellular response

Zirconia-barium titanate (ZB) composites are potential implants that would directly contact with living tissues. Improvements of the bioactivity, antibacterial properties, and adhesion of the implants to the tissues are considered as an interesting topic. In this study, two different patterns of laser texturing were applied to ZB composites. The effect of patterns was investigated in terms of varying laser powers (11, 13, and 15 W) and various line spacing (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 mm) on water contact angle. The composition, wettability, and surface roughness of the prepared composites were characterized. Also, the improvement of biological performance (antibacterial activity, cell culture and viability, cell morphology) of ZB composites was assessed. Based on the results, the groove laser texturing favored surface hydrophilicity, while, grid laser pattern induced hydrophobicity to the surface. The laser-patterned ZB composites showed a higher surface roughness than the non-patterned sample. The result showed that surface pattern affects not only viability, but also osteoblast differentiation, adhesion, and morphology. The cells cultured on micro-grid and micro-groove surfaces for 3 and 7 days showed a noticeable difference in cell morphology. However, it was clear that the micro-grid patterned surface supported better adhesion, leading to a higher cell density. Grid laser pattern was a promising approach for reducing bacterial colonization on the ZB surface.