A lasting anti-bacterial, pro-angiogenic and pro-osteogenic
zirconium-based bulk metallic glass for dental implants
Abstract
Bacterial infection and mismatched mechanical properties are important
factors that increase the risk of dental implant failure. However,
zirconium (Zr)-based bulk metallic glasses (BMG) can have both high
strength and low modulus, as well as good biocompatibility, due to their
unique atomic arrangement structure. Based on these common
characteristics, different elemental compositions can endow
zirconium-based amorphous alloys with different properties. Here we
present a Zr-based BMG containing silver (Ag) with good amorphous
process ability, exhibiting lasting antibacterial, pro-angiogenic and
pro-osteogenic properties. This newly developed Zr61Cu23Al12Ti2Ag2
(at.%) BMG has higher strength and lower modulus than pure Titanium
(Ti). Furthermore, it could exert antibacterial effects through both
contact inhibition and metal ion sterilization. And this antibacterial
property could last over 3 months. The systematically in vitro and in
vivo results thus demonstrate the advantages and application potentials
of Zr-based BMG as a highly promising oral implant material for dental
implantation.