Bone formation on apatite-coated titanium with incorporated BMP-2/heparin in vivo

Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate whether the in vivo osteoinductive activity of an implant material is enhanced by covering the surface of apatite with incorporated bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and heparin which maintains the activity of BMP-2. Study design. Titanium implants were alkaline treated, heat activated, and soaked in stimulated body fluid with or without BMP-2/heparin to coat the apatite around them. Treated implant bars were then implanted in rat tibiae. After 3 weeks, nondecalcified sections were prepared and the new bone formation around the implants was examined. Results. A greater amount of bone formed on the apatite-coated implants containing BMP-2/heparin than on apatite-coated implants containing BMP, with >= 3 mu g/mL heparin. Apatite-coated titanium implants with BMP-2/heparin had significantly enhanced new endosteal bone formation, with increases vertically (134%) and horizontally (124%). Conclusions. Bone formation was stimulated around the apatite-covered titanium coated with BMP-2/heparin, which may be useful in improving implant therapy. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 108: 867-875)