Quantitative Analysis of Apatite Formation on Titanium and Zirconia in a Simulated Body Fluid Solution Using the Quartz Crystal Microbalance Method

The bone-bonding ability of a material is evaluated by examining apatite formation on its surface in simulated body fluid (SBF). Partially stabilized zirconia () is currently attractive as an alternative to titanium (Ti) implants; however, no quantitative analysis of apatite formation between Ti and in SBF has been reported. In the present study, we quantitatively evaluated apatite formation onto Ti or in SBF using the 27 MHz quartz crystal microbalance method (QCM). In the QCM measurements, apatite formation was detected as a frequency decrease in the Ti or sensor. Frequency decreases were observed at around 1 hour for Ti and at around 2 hours for the sensor after the injection of SBF. This revealed that the Ti sensor showed faster apatite formation than . There was no significant difference in the amounts of apatite formation between the Ti and sensors after 24 hours of apatite formation in SBF. In conclusion, the present quantitative study using QCM revealed that apatite formation on the Ti surface in the SBF was obviously faster than that on the surface. Faster apatite formation may predict faster initiation of bone formation on Ti compared with .