Anodization enables fabrication of controlled nanotopographies on Ti implants to offer tailorable bioactivity and local therapy. However, anodization of Zr implants to fabricate ZrO2 nanostructures remains underexplored and are limited to the modification of easy-to-manage flat Zr foils, which do not represent the shape of clinically used implants. In this pioneering study, we report extensive optimization of various nanostructures on implant-relevant micro-rough Zr curved surfaces, bringing this technology closer to clinical translation. Further, we explore the use of sonication to remove the top nanoporous layer to reveal the underlying nanotubes. Nano-engineered Zr surfaces can be applied towards enhancing the bioactivity and therapeutic potential of conventional Zr-based implants.
Keywords: dental implants; electrochemical anodization; nanopores; zirconia; zirconium.