German Congress of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (DKOU 2025)
Improving osseointegration of high-performance oxide ceramics through peptide surface coatings: Findings from an in vivo rabbit bone defect model
2Experimental Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Deutschland
3Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Deutschland
4Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Biointerface Group, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Deutschland
5Institute of Pathology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Deutschland
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Objectives and questions: High-performance ceramics (HPOC) are used as articulating components in arthroplasty because of their high strength and wear resistance. However, their bioinert nature leads to poor osseointegration when placed in direct contact with bone, as e.g. in the case with all-ceramic knee implants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a biological functionalization on the osseointegrative capabilities of HPOCs in vivo.
Material and methods: The rabbit model consisted of three experimental groups: a control (untreated HPOC; n=8), a cRGD-coated (n=8), and a mod-HGF-coated group (n=8). Cylindrical defects measuring 4.5 x 6 mm were created in the lateral femoral epicondyle, after which the HPOC cylinders were press-fitted into the defect. After an 18-week observation period, animals were sacrificed and the distal femur was harvested for micro-computed tomography (CT) and histological staining (Safranin-O, Movat Pentachrom, H&E, and Giemsa).
Results: Macroscopically, both the cRGD and the mod-HGF groups showed improved osteointegration of the implant as compared to the control group. Micro-CT imaging confirmed these macroscopic observations, with increased total bone volume and denser bone forming around the implant in both treatment groups compared to the control.
Discussion and conclusions: Biological functionalization of HPOCs can improve osseointegration at the implant-bone interface, without causing excessive callus formation or heterotopic ossification in the immediate implant area. Micro-CT data showed increased bone density in both peptide surface coating groups as compared to control. These results show that organo-chemical functionalisation imparts bioactive properties to HPOC, resulting in improved bone bonding.
