Conclusions
Functionalisation of α-TCP/PLGA with BMP-2 produced osteoinduction and was dose-dependent. This material therefore has potential application as an osteoinductive agent in regenerative medicine.
Methods
BMP-2 was synthesised using an Escherichia coli expression system and purified. In vitro bioactivity was confirmed using C2C12 cells and an alkaline phosphatase assay. The modified solution-evaporation method was used to fabricate α-TCP/PLGA nanocomposite and this was characterised using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Functionalisation of α-TCP/PLGA nanocomposite by adsorption of BMP-2 was performed and release of BMP-2 was characterised using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results
Alkaline phosphatase activity of C2C12 cells was increased by the presence of all BMP-2/nanocomposite discs compared with the presence of a blank disc (p = 0.0022), and increased with increasing incubation concentrations of BMP-2, showing successful adsorption and bioactivity of BMP-2. A burst release profile was observed for BMP-2 from the nanocomposite. Conclusions: Functionalisation of α-TCP/PLGA with BMP-2 produced osteoinduction and was dose-dependent. This material therefore has potential application as an osteoinductive agent in regenerative medicine.