Sustained release carriers used to delivery bone morphogenetic proteins in the bone healing process

Abstract

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multi-functional growth factors belonging to the transforming growth factor β superfamily, especially BMP-2, induce bone formation in vivo, and clinical application in repair of bone fractures and defects is expected. However, appropriate systems to delivery BMPs for practical use need to be developed with the objective to heal cartilage and bone-related diseases in medical, dental and veterinary practice. Thus, the aim of this article was to present an overview of the principals carriers used to delivery BMPs and alternative delivery systems for these proteins. © 2007 Blackwell Verlag.