BMP Binding Proteins and Prosthetic Surfaces
SUMMARY
UCLA researchers have developed a method to attach and enhance the activity of bone growth factors to prostheses through BMP binding proteins to increase the integration of prostheses and bone.
BACKGROUND
Increasing the integration of prostheses (dental implants, prosthetic hip “sockets”, other prosthetic joints) and bone is a challenge in the world of prosthetics. Bone growth factors and other bioactive molecules can be applied to the interface between bone and the prosthesis to enhance integration. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are a group of growth factors that are able to induce the formation of bone and cartilage. BMP-2 has been shown to stimulate bone ingrowth, gap healing and implant fixation in several animal studies. Although BMPs are potent osteoinductive agents, large amounts of BMPs are required to produce an adequate biologic response in humans. Thus, BMPs in clinical use are quite expensive. Furthermore, large amounts of BMPs may cause local adverse effects, such as soft tissue inflammatory reactions. These factors limit the clinical utility of BMPs. BMP binding proteins are known to bind to growth factors, especially BMP-2, to enhance the activity of the growth factor by increasing its residence time at the site of implantation.
INNOVATION
UCLA researchers have developed a method to attach bone growth factors to prostheses through BMP binding proteins. The BMP binding proteins be adhered to the prosthesis via several methods. The proteins can be sprayed directly onto a prepared metallic or plastic surface. The proteins can be attached in slurry of another material such as collagen or ceramic. After the BMP binding proteins are attached to the surface of a prosthesis, BMP can be added and its efficacy can be enhanced through “slow release” mechanisms.
APPLICATIONS
- Increase integration of prostheses and bone in conditions such as dental implants and joints replacements
ADVANTAGES
- Increased residence time of growth factors, enhanced activity
- Lower dosages of growth factors needed, less side effects, decreased cost
STATE OF DEVELOPMENT
The inventors have produced a number of peptides and recombinant proteins based on the BMP-2 binding domain of spp24. The BMP-2 binding properties of these peptides and proteins are currently being characterized. Studies are also currently underway to investigate binding to other growth factors including BMP-7 and TGF-β.
RELATED MATERIALS
Behnam, K., Phillips, M. L., Silva, J. D., Brochmann, E. J., Duarte, M. E., and Murray, S. S. BMP binding peptide: A BMP-2 enhancing factor deduced from the sequence of native bovine bone morphogenetic protein/non-collagenous protein, Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2005.