Alginate hydrogel linked with synthetic oligopeptide derived from BMP-2 allows ectopic osteoinduction in vivo

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are unique molecules with a specific biological activity for inducing ectopic bone formation when implanted with a suitable carrier matrix. However, incorporation of BMP into the carrier has disadvantages, including early burst release and protein degradation in biological environments. Therefore, we considered that the next greatest challenge in achieving successful clinical use was the development of a carrier system for site-specific delivery of the morphogenetic signal of BMP. In this study, a novel BMP-2-derived oligopeptide, NSVNSKIPKACCVPTELSAI, was coupled covalently to alginate. Then NSVNSKIPKACCVPTELSAI-linked alginate hydrogel composites were implanted into the calf muscle of rats and harvested 3 or 8 weeks after surgery. Ectopic bone formation was observed in alginate hydrogel linked with BMP-2-derived peptide. It is suggested that alginate hydrogel linked with an oligopeptide derived from BMP-2 might provide an alternative system for topical delivery of the morphogenetic signal of BMP-2.