Bone morphogenetic protein 2 incorporated into biomimetic coatings retains its biological activity

We have previously shown that proteins can be incorporated into the latticework of calcium phosphate layers when biomimetically coprecipitated with the inorganic components, upon the surfaces of titanium-alloy implants. In the present study, we wished to ascertain whether recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) thus incorporated retained its bioactivity as an osteoinductive agent. Titanium alloy implants were coated biomimetically with a layer of calcium phosphate in the presence of different concentrations of rhBMP-2 (0.1-10 microg/mL). rhBMP-2 was successfully incorporated into the crystal latticework, as revealed by protein blot staining. rhBMP-2 was taken up by the calcium phosphate coatings in a dose-dependent manner, as determined by ELISA. Rat bone marrow stromal cells were grown directly on these coatings for 8 days. Their osteogenicity was then assessed quantitatively by monitoring alkaline phosphatase activity. This parameter increased as a function of rhBMP-2 concentrations within the coating medium. rhBMP-2 incorporated into calcium phosphate coatings was more potent in stimulating the alkaline phosphatase activity of the adhering cell layer than was the freely suspended drug in stimulating that of cell layers grown on a plastic substratum. This system may be of osteoinductive value in orthopedic and dental implant surgery.