Immobilization and controlled release of vascular (VEGF) and bone growth factors (BMP-2) on Bone replacement materials

Abstract

Angiogenesis and osteogenesis are closely related processes sharing some essential mediators like VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) and BMP-2 (Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2). As vascularization is crucial to bone formation biofunctionalization of bone replacement materials with both of these proteins may result in enhanced bone formation. Here we will present immobilization of self prepared biologically active BMP-2 and VEGF on different bone replacement materials and their controlled release. The amount of bound protein can be steered as a function of protein concentration in the incubation solution. Desorption behaviour of proteins differs strongly depending on the type of bone replacement material used and protein ranging from 0.1-2 days for the burst phase and from 17-115 days for the sustained release phase. A combined loading and release of the growth factors is now planned. © 2012 by Walter de Gruyter Berlin Boston.