The effects of laser patterning 10CeTZP-Al₂O₃ nanocomposite disc surfaces: Osseous differentiation and cellular arrangement in vitro

Customized square grid arrangements of different groove depths (1.0, 1.5 and 3.0 μm) and separations (10 and 30 μm) were successfully laser patterned, using a nanosecond pulsed fibre laser, on the surface of 10 mol% ceria-stabilized zirconia and alumina (10CeTZP-Al₂O₃) nanocomposite discs (diameter: 10 mm; thickness: 1.5 mm). The patterned surfaces and the in vitro biological response of osteoblasts (SAOS-2) towards them were thoroughly analysed. In terms of composition, the laser treatment was found to cause superficial monoclinic-tetragonal zirconia phase transformation and alumina evaporation. In vitro, the most effective grid configuration for osseous differentiation was found to be 1.5 μm groove depth and 10 μm groove separation, and confocal microscopy revealed that the cells show a tendency to be sorted as groove depth increases. It is thought that custom-made patterns could be produced to guide cell attachment in vivo, which could favour implant integration and reduce healing time.