Effect of bioactive glass addition on the tribological and antibacterial response of zirconia-based biocomposites

Abstract

Yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is widely employed in restorative dentistry owing to its exceptional aesthetic outcomes, chemical stability, and excellent biocompatibility. However, these materials exhibit restricted capabilities in terms of tribological and antibacterial performance for dental purposes. A newly modified composite YSZ–xBAG (x = 0–25 wt%) has been prepared. The present investigation examines the effect of bioactive glass (BAG) addition on the tribological and antibacterial response of the YSZ-BAG composite. The tribological test is performed on a bio-tribometer under simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37°C. The surface morphology of worn surfaces is studied by HR-SEM/EDS. Tribological results indicate that the wear rate and coefficient of friction (COF) first decrease up to 10 wt% of BAG addition and then increase up to 25 wt% of BAG content. YSZ with 10 wt% of BAG displays superior antifriction and wear resistance properties, with an average COF of 0.17 and a wear rate of 0.63 × 10–6 mm3 per mm of sliding distance. The optical profilometer is used for surface topography analysis of worn surfaces. Line and surface roughness are almost enhanced by enhancing the BAG content into YSZ ceramic. The surface morphology of worn surfaces of composite samples shows that each sample undergoes pull-out during the rubbing process. Antibacterial tests on composite samples are conducted with Gram-positive (S. aureus; MTCC 435) and Gram-negative (E. coli; MTCC 443) bacteria. The antibacterial result demonstrates that the presence of BAG considerably reduces the bacterial cells’ viability on the composite samples. The live/dead ratio for E. coli of all samples (0, 5, 10, 15, and 25 % of BG) are 13.83, 4.93, 3.31, 2.28, and 1.80, respectively, and for S. aureus are 15.33, 5.53, 3.63, 2.61, and 2.12, respectively. In conclusion, BAG added YSZ ceramics may apply to dental implant material. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.