Impact of ZrO2 Content on the Formation of Sr-Enriched Phosphates in Al2O3/ZrO2 Nanocomposites for Bone Tissue Engineering

This study investigates the profound impact of the ZrO2 inclusion volume on the characteristics of Al2O3/ZrO2 nanocomposites, particularly influencing the formation of calcium phosphates on the surface. This research, aimed at advancing tissue engineering, prepared nanocomposites with 5, 10, and 15 vol% ZrO2, subjecting them to chemical surface treatment for enhanced calcium phosphate deposition sites. Biomimetic coating with Sr-enriched simulated body fluid (SBF) further enhanced the bioactivity of nanocomposites. While the ZrO2 concentration heightened the oxygen availability on nanocomposite surfaces, the quantity of Sr-containing phosphate was comparatively less influenced than the formation of calcium phosphate phases. Notably, the coated nanocomposites exhibited a high cell viability and no toxicity, signifying their potential in bone tissue engineering. Overall, these findings contribute to the development of regenerative biomaterials, holding promise for enhancing bone regeneration therapies.

Biomaterialomics: Data science-driven pathways to develop fourth-generation biomaterials

Conventional approaches to developing biomaterials and implants require intuitive tailoring of manufacturing protocols and biocompatibility assessment. This leads to longer development cycles, and high costs. To meet existing and unmet clinical needs, it is critical to accelerate the production of implantable biomaterials, implants and biomedical devices. Building on the Materials Genome Initiative, we define the concept 'biomaterialomics' as the integration of multi-omics data and high-dimensional analysis with artificial intelligence (AI) tools throughout the entire pipeline of biomaterials development. The Data Science-driven approach is envisioned to bring together on a single platform, the computational tools, databases, experimental methods, machine learning, and advanced manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing) to develop the fourth-generation biomaterials and implants, whose clinical performance will be predicted using 'digital twins'. While analysing the key elements of the concept of 'biomaterialomics', significant emphasis has been put forward to effectively utilize high-throughput biocompatibility data together with multiscale physics-based models, E-platform/online databases of clinical studies, data science approaches, including metadata management, AI/ Machine Learning (ML) algorithms and uncertainty predictions. Such integrated formulation will allow one to adopt cross-disciplinary approaches to establish processing-structure-property (PSP) linkages. A few published studies from the lead author's research group serve as representative examples to illustrate the formulation and relevance of the 'Biomaterialomics' approaches for three emerging research themes, i.e. patient-specific implants, additive manufacturing, and bioelectronic medicine. The increased adaptability of AI/ML tools in biomaterials science along with the training of the next generation researchers in data science are strongly recommended. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This leading opinion review paper emphasizes the need to integrate the concepts and algorithms of the data science with biomaterials science. Also, this paper emphasizes the need to establish a mathematically rigorous cross-disciplinary framework that will allow a systematic quantitative exploration and curation of critical biomaterials knowledge needed to drive objectively the innovation efforts within a suitable uncertainty quantification framework, as embodied in 'biomaterialomics' concept, which integrates multi-omics data and high-dimensional analysis with artificial intelligence (AI) tools, like machine learning. The formulation of this approach has been demonstrated for patient-specific implants, additive manufacturing, and bioelectronic medicine.

Incorporation of cerium oxide into zirconia toughened alumina ceramic promotes osteogenic differentiation and osseointegration

Due to its high wear resistance and good biocompatibility, zirconia toughened alumina (ZTA) is an ideal material used as load-bearing implant. However, ZTA needs to be modified to overcome its bio-inert and thus improve osseointegration. Cerium oxide, which has been proved to be a bone-friendly ceramic, might be a desired material to enhance the bioactivity of ZTA. In this study, ZTA and cerium oxide doped ZTA (ZTAC) were prepared via sintering method. The in vitro study showed that the addition of cerium oxide promoted MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion and spreading through upregulating ITG α5 and ITG β1. In addition, the incorporation of cerium oxide enhanced cell proliferation, ALP activity, and ECM mineralization capacity. Moreover, the incorporation of cerium oxide promoted the expressions of osteogenesis related genes, such as ALP, Col-I, and OCN. The in vivo implantation test via a SD rat model showed that the incorporation of cerium oxide promoted new bone formation and bone-implant integration. In summary, this study provided a new strategy to fabricate bioactive ZTA implant for potential application in orthopedics field.

Tailor-made design, fabrication and validation of SrO doped nanostructured ZTA ceramic Femoral head - Acetabular socket liner assembly

An established commercial grade SrO doped ZTA composition has been considered to design, fabrication through uniaxial pressing followed by sintering and polishing, validation of dimension, 3D surface profile, 3D microstructure, and compressive load bearing capacity of femoral head - acetabular socket liner prototypes for the hip prosthesis. While design and dimensions are concerned, both the steel (HRC60) molds were designed and machined to achieve precious dimensions of femoral head (FH; OD - 30 ± 0.01 mm) and acetabular socket liner (ASL; ID - 30.15 ± 0.01 mm). A close variation in the range of ±0.01 mm was confirmed the precision geometry of polished FH and ASL with consideration of 22 points coordinate measuring method (CMM). 3D surface profile ensures the surface characteristics of R_a = 0.2 ± 0.01 μm and R_q = 0.5 ± 0.01 μm for outer surface of FH and an inner surface of ASL, respectively. Structure integrity and fabrication defects including cracks and pores free bulk structures were confirmed by Micro CT. The compressive load resistance known as burst strength for independent FH and FH-ASL assembly were measured 16.2 KN and 17.6 KN, respectively. The developed ceramic prototypes have an economic advantage and can be adopted as artificial hip prosthesis after extensive in-vitro and in-vivo analysis.