Biological performance enhancement of Ni-free Zr-based bulk metallic glass for dental implants via nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation

Authors

• Hsun-Miao Huang, Department of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
• Ying-Sui Sun, School of Dental Technology, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
• Ya-Lin Huang, Department of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
• Kai-Yi Lin, Institute of Oral Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
• Thantrira Porntaveetus, Center of Excellence in Precision Medicine and Digital Health, FutureDent Digital Center, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
• Thanaphum Osathanon, Center of Excellence for Dental Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
• Wei-Cheng Chen, Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
• Her-Hsiung Huang, Institute of Oral Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, TaiwanFollow

Abstract

Background/purpose: Improving the biocompatibility of bulk metallic glass (BMG) alloys is critical for expanding their applications in biomedical fields, particularly in dental implants. This study systematically investigated the suitability of nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation (NPIII)-treated Zr-based BMG alloy for next-generation dental implant applications, focusing on protein adsorption, platelet responses, and cell behavior.

Materials and methods: NPIII was employed as a surface modification approach to enhance the biological performance of a Ni-free Zr₆₂.₅Cu₂₂.₅Fe₅Al₁₀ BMG alloy. The effects of NPIII treatment on surface characteristics, including crystallinity, chemical composition, layer thickness, roughness, and hydrophilicity, were comprehensively analyzed. Protein adsorption behavior was evaluated using fibrinogen and fibronectin as model proteins. Platelet responses were assessed through platelet adhesion and platelet activation studies. Cell responses, including adhesion, proliferation, and early osteogenic differentiation, were examined using human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Student’s t-test was used, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05.

Results: NPIII treatment preserved the amorphous bulk structure of the Zr-based BMG while maintaining surface roughness and hydrophilicity. A thin nitride-containing oxide layer (~10 nm thickness), primarily composed of ZrO₂/ZrN/Zr(N,O), was successfully formed on the NPIII-treated surface. This surface modification significantly enhanced protein adsorption and promoted platelet aggregation and activation, as well as cell adhesion and proliferation, without significantly affecting early-stage differentiation.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that NPIII is an effective and promising surface modification strategy for improving the biological performance of Zr-based BMG alloy for dental implant applications.

Recommended Citation

Huang, Hsun-Miao; Sun, Ying-Sui; Huang, Ya-Lin; Lin, Kai-Yi; Porntaveetus, Thantrira; Osathanon, Thanaphum; Chen, Wei-Cheng; and Huang, Her-Hsiung (2026) "Biological performance enhancement of Ni-free Zr-based bulk metallic glass for dental implants via nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation," Journal of Dental Sciences: Vol. 21: Iss. 4, Article 41.
Available at: https://jds.ads.org.tw/journal/vol21/iss4/41

Publication Date

2026