The cytocompatibility and osteoconductivity of the Zr-14Nb-5Ta-1Mo alloy were investigated using a mouse osteoblastic cell line (MC3T3-E1) to promote the application of this newly developed alloy in dental/medical treatment. The initial cell-attached morphology was visualized by fluorescent staining, and cells cultured on the Zr alloy showed similar cell adhesion behavior to cells cultured on titanium (Ti). In our 5-day proliferation investigation, similar cell numbers were obtained with both Zr alloy and Ti. These results indicate that the cytocompatibility of Zr alloy is similar to that of Ti. In addition, the similar results in the evaluation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and staining of deposited calcium using alizarin red S with both Zr alloy and Ti indicated that the osteoconductivity of the Zr alloy is similar to that of Ti. Our results prove the good cytocompatibility and osteoconductivity of the Zr-14Nb-5Ta-1Mo alloy, enabling its promotion for use in dental/medical applications.
Keywords: Calcification; Cytocompatibility; Osteogenic differentiation; Zirconium alloy.