Zirconia is a commonly used material for implants due to its strength and durability. However, it does not naturally bond chemically with bone tissue. Traditional mechanical and chemical methods for modifying zirconia surfaces have limited success in enhancing biological activity. This study aimed to evaluate the use of plasma surface modification to deposit an active organosiloxane film on zirconia substrates, thereby improving their biological performance. By using a plasma polymerization process, organosiloxane functional groups were deposited on zirconia substrates with three different monomers: hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO), diethoxydimethylsilane (DEODMS), and ethoxytrimethylsilane (EOTMS). Wettability tests indicated that the EOTMS film provided better wettability due to its less hydrophobic surface than the other films. In vitro, cytocompatibility tests demonstrated that all three films exhibited no cytotoxicity on the zirconia surfaces. In vivo implantation tests revealed that the EOTMS-coated zirconia had a slower inflammatory response and lower levels of polymorphonuclear cells and lymphocytes than the other coatings. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the potential clinical application of plasma-modified zirconia implants in the future.
