In Vivo Evaluation of a Novel Implant Coating Agent: Laminin-1

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of implant coating with laminin-1 on the early stages of osseointegration in vivo. Materials and Methods: Turned titanium implants were coated with the osteoprogenitor-stimulating protein, laminin-1 (TL). Their osteogenic performance was assessed with removal torque, histomorphometry, and nanoindentation in a rabbit model after 2 and 4 weeks. The performance of the test implants was compared with turned control implants (T), alkali- and heat-treated implants (AH), and AH implants coated with laminin-1. Results: After 2 weeks, TL demonstrated significantly higher removal torque as compared with T and equivalent to AH. Bone area was significantly higher for the test surface after 4 weeks, while no significant changes were detected on the micromechanical properties of the surrounding bone. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, our results suggest a great potential for laminin-1 as a coating agent. A turned implant surface coated with laminin-1 could enhance osseointegration comparable with a bioactive implant surface while keeping the surface smooth.