Objectives. There is increasing application of bone morphogenetic proteins
(BMPs) owing to their role in promoting fracture healing and bone
fusion. However, an optimal delivery system has yet to be identified.
The aims of this study were to synthesise bioactive BMP-2, combine
it with a novel α-tricalcium phosphate/poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)
(α-TCP/PLGA) nanocomposite and study its release from the composite. 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