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Updated: Feb 26, 2026
Calvarial Model of Bone Augmentation in Rabbit for Assessment of Bone Growth and Neovascularization in Bone Substitution Materials
Published on: August 13, 2019
Bone tissue response following local drug delivery of bisphosphonate through titanium oxide nanotube implants in a
David H Kwon1,2, Sang J Lee3, Ulf M E Wikesjö4
1Department of Prosthodontics/Dental Materials Science, Institute of Odontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to evaluate whether surface chemistry-controlled TiO2 nanotube structures may serve as a local drug delivery system for zoledronic acid improving implant-bone support.
Methods:
Twenty-four screw-shaped Ti implants with surface chemistry-controlled TiO2 nanotube structures were prepared and divided into a zoledronic acid-formatted test and a native control group. The implants were inserted into contra-lateral femoral condyles in 12 New Zealand White rabbits. Bone support was evaluated using resonance frequency analysis (RFA) and removal torque (RTQ), as well as histometric analysis following a 3-weeks healing interval.
Results:
Zoledronic acid-formatted TiO2 nanotube test implants showed significantly improved implant stability and osseointegration measured using RFA and RTQ compared with control (p < 0.05), and showed significantly enhanced new bone formation within the root of the threads compared with control (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
TiO2 nanotube implants may prove to be a significant delivery system for drugs or biologic agents aimed at supporting local bone formation. Additional study of candidate drugs/agents, optimized dosage and release kinetics is needed prior to evaluation in clinical settings.
