Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Site-Directed Immobilization of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 to Solid Surfaces by Click Chemistry
Published on: March 29, 2018
Controlling bone morphogenetic protein diffusion and bone morphogenetic protein-stimulated bone growth using fibrin
Vikas V Patel1, Li Zhao, Pamela Wong
1The Spine Institute at St. John's Hospital, Santa Monica, CA, USA. vikas.patel@uchsc.edu
Study Design:
An in vitro and in vivo study.
Objective:
To evaluate the ability of fibrin glue to limit diffusion of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP)-2 and its ability to protect spinal nerves from rhBMP-2 stimulated bone growth.
Summary Of Background Data:
Studies have shown bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2) stimulated bone growth can encroach on the spinal canal and nerves, causing neural compression. More recently, rhBMP-2 use in the cervical spine has been associated with life-threatening swelling. Fibrin glue has been used as a biologic carrier but has not been evaluated for its ability to limit rhBMP-2.
Methods:
In phase 1 of the study, rhBMP-2 soaked absorbable collagen sponges (ACS) were encapsulated in fibrin glue and immediately incubated in physiologic lactated ringers solution at 38 degrees C. Samples of solution were tested for rhBMP-2 concentration. In phase 2 of the study, rats were surgically treated with laminectomy and placement of rhBMP-2/ACS versus laminectomy and placement of fibrin glue before placement of rhBMP-2/ACS. After 8 weeks, animals were euthanized and imaged using micro-computerized tomography.
Results:
The diffusion study showed a significant limitation in rhBMP-2 diffusion when encapsulated in fibrin glue. The laminectomy study revealed blockage of bone formation by fibrin glue and protection of the spinal canal.
Conclusions:
Fibrin glue can limit the diffusion of rhBMP-2, and, thus, it can be used to help protect the spinal canal and nerve roots from rhBMP-2 stimulated bone growth.
