Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Calvarial Model of Bone Augmentation in Rabbit for Assessment of Bone Growth and Neovascularization in Bone Substitution Materials
Published on: August 13, 2019
Carbon nanotube‑ and hydroxyapatite‑coated implants: histomorphometric assessment in a rabbit model
Amira S Eissa1, Haitham Mohammed Abou Eleneen2, Aya S Sedik3
1Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University, Champollion Street, Azarita, Alexandria, 21512, Egypt. amira.salama@alexu.edu.eg.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate whether the integration of functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with hydroxyapatite (HA) could create a bioactive nanocomposite capable of enhancing the early stages of osseointegration. Specifically, we investigated whether the high surface area and nanoscale structure of CNTs, combined with the osteoconductivity of 1% HA, could significantly enhance bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and new bone area (NBA) compared to traditional titanium surfaces in a mandibular model.
Methods:
Here we evaluated the osseointegration of titanium implant discs coated with CNTs and CNTs combined with 1% HA in a rabbit mandibular model. Thirty rabbits received uncoated, CNT-coated, or CNT- HA coated titanium discs implanted into mandibular defects. After 4 weeks, bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and new bone area (NBA) were assessed histomorphometrically.
Results:
Both CNT and CNT- HA coatings significantly increased BIC and NBA compared to uncoated implants (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between coated groups.
Conclusion:
CNT-based coatings enhance early osseointegration of titanium implants, while the addition of 1% HA does not confer additional benefit within 4 weeks, suggesting CNT coatings alone may improve implant integration effectively.
