In vivo osseointegration of nano-designed composite coatings on titanium implants.

This is the first in vivo study of plasma-sprayed carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced hydroxyapatite (HA) coating on titanium implants embedded in rodents' bone. No adverse effect or cytotoxicity of CNT addition on bone tissues and cells was observed. Normal bone growth was observed around HA-CNT-coated implants. CNT addition induces higher osseointegration as compared to HA. Elastic modulus of new bone was compared with the modulus of HA-CNT/bone interface to understand the mechanical integrity of the implant.