Zirconium metal is transformed into zirconium oxide nanostructures via electrochemical anodization (EA), aimed to facilitate biointegration as a result of structural similarities to the extracellular matrix.[1] The resulting zirconia nanotubes (ZrNTs) have chemical variations from the parent metal and subsequently influence surface reactivity.[2] Due to this behaviour, nanostructured surfaces are highly relevant when combined as hybrid materials, that are capable of eliciting multi-functional responses. Here, ZrNTs layers that are isolated from the parent metal foil are transferred onto bulk ceramic in a process similar to hydro dipping. The deposited ZrNTs film shows strong adherence to the substrate and is further modified with drugs, before tube-top sealing.[3] These seals or ‘caps’ are made of self-assembled monolayers, ideal for stimuli-driven localized drug-release applications in the biomedical field. The assembly of ZrNTs on bulk ceramics was thoroughly characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ToF-SIMS, water contact angle measurements (WCA), and drug-release experiments, to evaluate triggered release. Implant surfaces designed with such an adaptive response would be capable of facilitating ‘smart’ developmental strategies towards controlled multi-drug release. Ultimately even eliciting the sequential release of drugs to limit clotting, inhibit infection, and subsequently promote healing.

REFERENCES
[1]    R. Junker, A. Dimakis, M. Thoneick, J.A. Jansen, Effects of implant surface coatings and composition on bone integration: A systematic review, Clin. Oral Implants Res. (2009). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0501.2009.01777.x.
[2]    S.N.V. Raghu, P. Hartwich, A. Patalas, M. Marczweski, R. Talar, C. Pritzel, M.S. Killian, Nanodentistry aspects explored towards nanostructured ZrO2: Immobilizing zirconium-oxide nanotube coatings onto zirconia ceramic implant surfaces, Open Ceram. (2023) 100340. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.OCERAM.2023.100340.
[3]    S.N.V. Raghu, G. Onyenso, S. Mohajernia, M.S. Killian, Functionalization strategies to facilitate multi-depth, multi-molecule modifications of nanostructured oxides for triggered release applications, Surf. Sci. 719 (2022) 122024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susc.2022.122024.