Reduction in tumour formation on porous polyethylene by collagen immobilization.

After surface modification with collagen immobilization through covalent bonding, porous polyethylene pieces with an average pore size of 400 microns were implanted subcutaneously into the back of rats for 1 yr. It was found that connective tissues with abundant blood vessels were formed clearly, filling more than 90% of the pore volume and bound firmly to the pore walls. A tumour was found in only one of 24 implanted pieces (4.2%). On the other hand, the virgin porous polyethylene pieces without collagen immobilization exhibited inflammatory reactions within the pores and the connective tissues produced filled only 15% of the pore volume. Formation of a malignant histiocytoma was observed in 11 of the 24 pieces which had been implanted (45.8%). Thus, immobilization of collagen on the surface of an artificial material through covalent bonding proved to be very effective not only for firm bonding with soft connective tissues but also for a reduction of tumour formation.