Researchers from the UZB of the University of Nanostructured dental implants made of ceramics Basel, the FHNW School of Life Sciences and the In the Nano-Argovia project ZIRYT, an interdisciplinary team is Institut Straumann exchange ideas at regular investigating how a nanostructured surface can be used to pro- team meetings. In this way, the researchers in- volved ensure effective interdisciplinary collabo- duce ceramic dental implants made of zirconium oxide. The ration. aim is to offer an aesthetically pleasing and metal-free alterna- tive to titanium implants. The researchers began by heat-treating zirconium oxide in “We’re confident that zirco- a targeted manner to produce a nanostructured surface. Under nium oxide-based dental im- the influence of heat, a characteristic structure forms on the plants can achieve a significant surface of zirconium oxide based on the existing crystalline market share in the coming structure of the material. This surface structure is intended to years. Accordingly, we’re partic- ensure effective integration of the implant into bone. ularly interested in the results First, the researchers developed and tested various protocols of the ZIRYT project, which has for producing the nanostructures. They then used various ana- the potential to optimize both lytical methods to begin characterizing the different structures the complexity of the produc- and completed the necessary preparations for investigating the tion process and the clinical interaction between the implant material and various cell lines outcomes of our products — in the second year of the project. By doing so, they plan to de- for the benefit of patients. Our termine the ideal surface structure and define its production long-standing and successful conditions. The project therefore aims to facilitate the produc- collaboration with UZB, the tion of next-generation zirconium dioxide dental implants so University of Basel and FHNW that they can benefit as many patients as possible. reinforces our commitment to Collaboration between: University Center for Dental Med- supporting these centers of icine Basel (UZB) // FHNW School of Life Sciences // Insti- excellence in their outstanding tut Straumann AG (Basel) research work on an ongoing Project description: https://bit.ly/3WYlkJB basis.” Dr. Raphael Wagner, Institut Straumann AG SNI Annual Report 2024 41