IADR Abstract Archives
Micro-CT and Histomorphometrical Study of Graphene-Doped/Poly-Methyl-Methacrylate Implants in Rabbits Bone
Objectives: The graphene-doping processes has been reported as a useful application for improving the mechanical behaviour and the biological properties of metal free biomaterials and methacrylate polymers for medical devices. The aim of the present investigation was to perform a comparative evaluation of the Graphene doped Poly(methyl methacrylate) (GD-PMMA) implants osseointegration compared to PMMA implants on rabbits bone model.
Methods: a total of eighteen adult New Zealand white male rabbits were treated in the present in vivo investigation for a total of 36 dental implant positioned into the articular femoral knee joint: 16 GD-PMMA fixtures (Test) and 16 PMMA fixtures (Control). The animals were euthanized at different timepoints after 15, 30 and 60 days and the retrieved biopsies were evaluated by Micro-CT and histomorphometry measurement.
Results: Histologically, all implants positioned were healed and well-integrated into the bone site and the surface appeared in tight contact with cortical bone along the upper threads, while the lower threads were in contact with either newly formed bone or with marrow spaces. The histomorphometry and Micro-CT assessment reported that the Test and Control implants were well osseointegrated and the bone was in direct contact with wide portions of the implant surfaces, including the space in the medullary canal.
Conclusions: The effectiveness of the present in vivo investigation reported that GD-PMMA surfaces are able to improve the osseointegration in rabbit bone. Further in vitro and vivo animal studies are necessary to evaluate of graphene-doping processes to increase the dental implant properties for a clinical application.
Methods: a total of eighteen adult New Zealand white male rabbits were treated in the present in vivo investigation for a total of 36 dental implant positioned into the articular femoral knee joint: 16 GD-PMMA fixtures (Test) and 16 PMMA fixtures (Control). The animals were euthanized at different timepoints after 15, 30 and 60 days and the retrieved biopsies were evaluated by Micro-CT and histomorphometry measurement.
Results: Histologically, all implants positioned were healed and well-integrated into the bone site and the surface appeared in tight contact with cortical bone along the upper threads, while the lower threads were in contact with either newly formed bone or with marrow spaces. The histomorphometry and Micro-CT assessment reported that the Test and Control implants were well osseointegrated and the bone was in direct contact with wide portions of the implant surfaces, including the space in the medullary canal.
Conclusions: The effectiveness of the present in vivo investigation reported that GD-PMMA surfaces are able to improve the osseointegration in rabbit bone. Further in vitro and vivo animal studies are necessary to evaluate of graphene-doping processes to increase the dental implant properties for a clinical application.