Objective:This study aims to investigate the influence of silanes with different end groups grafting on the zirconia surface on the adhesion,proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast. Methods:A self-assembled monolayer was formed on the surface of zirconia by covalent bonding. After hydroxylation,zirconia surface was grafted with different terminal groups of silanes,and then mouse preosteoblasts are cultured on the surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS),scanning electron microscope(SEM)and X-ray diffraction(XRD) analysis were used to detect the physical and chemical characteristics of the zirconia surface. The adhesion and morphology of MC3T3-E1 cells were observed by laser confocal microscope after 24 h culture. After 1,3 and 5 days,the cell proliferation level of each group was evaluated by the CCK-8 assay,and the differentiation of osteoblasts after 7 and 14 days of culture was detected by the alkaline phosphatase kit. Results:XPS results showed that the four different terminal silanes were successfully grafted to the zirconia surface. SEM and XRD results indicated that alkali heat and silane treatment had no obvious impact on the topography and crystal phase of zirconia surface. Zirconia grafted with hydrophilic terminal amino- and mercapto- silanes,presented excellent adhesion and high proliferation activity,and the expression of alkaline phosphatase is higher than that of the untreated group,while the hydrophobic methyl- and vinyl- silanes has no obvious effect on cell proliferation,and inhibit cell differentiation. Conclusion:Zirconia modified with hydrophilic end groups(such as mercapto and amino)of silanes can promote cell adhesion,proliferation and differentiation.