Protein Adsorption to Titanium and Zirconia Using a Quartz Crystal Microbalance Method.

Protein adsorption onto titanium (Ti) or zirconia (ZrO) was evaluated using a 27 MHz quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). As proteins, fibronectin (Fn), a cell adhesive protein, and albumin (Alb), a cell adhesion-inhibiting protein, were evaluated. The Ti and ZrO sensors for QCM were characterized by atomic force microscopy and electron probe microanalysis observation, measurement of contact angle against water, and surface roughness. The amounts of Fn and Alb adsorbed onto the Ti and ZrO sensors and apparent reaction rate were obtained using QCM measurements. Ti sensor showed greater adsorption of Fn and Alb than the ZrO sensor. In addition, amount of Fn adsorbed onto the Ti or ZrO sensors was higher than that of Alb. The surface roughness and hydrophilicity of Ti or ZrO may influence the adsorption of Fn or Alb. With regard to the adsorption rate, Alb adsorbed more rapidly than Fn onto Ti. Comparing Ti and ZrO, Alb adsorption rate to Ti was faster than that to ZrO. Fn adsorption will be effective for cell activities, but Alb adsorption will not. QCM method could simulate Fn and Alb adsorption to Ti or ZrO.