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Updated: Dec 5, 2025
Establishment of a Segmental Femoral Critical-size Defect Model in Mice Stabilized by Plate Osteosynthesis
Published on: October 12, 2016
Poly(POG)n loaded with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 accelerates new bone formation in a
Ryo Tazawa1, Kentaro Uchida2,3, Hiroaki Minehara1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara City, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan.
Background:
Delivery of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) via animal-derived absorbable collagen materials is used for the treatment of large bone defects. However, the administration of bovine proteins to humans is associated with the risk of zoonotic complications. We therefore examined the effect of combining BMP-2 with collagen-like peptides, poly(POG)n, in a critical-sized bone defect mouse model.
Methods:
A 2-mm critical-sized bone defect was created in the femur of 9-week-old male C57/BL6J mice. Mice were randomly allocated into one of four treatment groups (n = 6 each): control (no treatment), poly(POG)n only, 0.2 μg, or 2.0 μg BMP-2 with poly(POG)n. New bone formation was monitored using soft X-ray radiographs, and bone formation at the bone defect site was examined using micro-computed tomography and histological examination at 4 weeks after surgery.
Results:
Administration of 2.0 μg of BMP-2 with poly(POG)n promoted new bone formation and resulted in greater bone volume and bone mineral content than that observed in the control group and successfully achieved consolidation. In contrast, bone formation in all other groups was scarce.
Conclusions:
Our findings suggest the potential of BMP-2 with poly(POG)n as a material, free from animal-derived collagen, for the treatment of large bone defects.
