Using Digested and Lyophilized Bone Matrices to Enhance Retention and Sustained Release of BMP-2 for Bone...

Human recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) is an FDA-approved growth factor that is shown to induce new bone formation but includes safety risks like inflammation and ectopic bone formation. Research indicates that a prolonged, controlled release of rhBMP-2 enhances bone healing with fewer side effects than short-term release. Collagen sponges, commonly used for this purpose, have drawbacks including poor structural stability and inadequate release profiles. Current research is focused on improving rhBMP-2 delivery strategies, particularly for pediatric patients where its use is considered off-label.

The authors' previous study developed a sponge-like gellable bone matrix from decellularized, demineralized, and enzymatically digested porcine bone that demonstrated both biocompatibility and bone regenerative capabilities. This study expands our previous work by infusing synthetic BMP2 (sBMP2) into digested and lyophilized bone matrix (DLBM) and stabilizing it with glutaraldehyde (GL) crosslinking, referred to as DLBM/sBMP2/GL scaffold. The authors evaluate the release of sBMP2 in vitro from within the DLBM post stabilization, and the overall effectiveness of the DLBM/sBMP2/GL scaffold at stimulating bone growth in vivo using a nonhealing, surgically created tibial defect in a small animal model.

The DLBM/sBMP2/GL scaffold offers a prolonged and sustained release of sBMP2 in vitro and demonstrates biocompatibility and osteogenicity in vivo, resulting in substantial bone regeneration based on the gradual scaffold degradation with the sustained release of sBMP2.

The resulting DLBM/sBMP2/GL scaffold provides a promising alternative grafting option for pediatric patients, offering improved safety and efficacy over existing methods. This innovative approach addresses the need for better rhBMP-2 delivery systems, potentially expanding its use in pediatric bone healing applications.