Reduction in tumor formation on polyethylene by collagen immobilization

After surface modification with collagen immobilization through covalent binding, porous polyethylene pieces were implanted subcutaneously into the back of rats for 1 year and the tumorigenesis-reducing effect was examined. In the virgin pieces without collagen immobilization, tumors were observed in 11 out of 24 pieces implanted (45.8%). On the other hand, in the collagen immobilized pieces a tumor was found only in one of 24 implanted pieces (4.2%). These results suggest that immobilization of collagen on the surface of an artificial material through covalent binding is very effective for a reduction of tumor formation.