EVALUATION OF HETEROTOPIC BONE-FORMATION INDUCED BY SQUALANE AND BONEMORPHOGENETIC PROTEIN COMPOSITE

Bone morphogenetic protein is an important molecule whose bioactivity depends on the carrier, Squalane is used in the formulation of various kinds of cosmetics because it is easily emulsified and has the proper ty of spreading well. Thus, squalane might be effective as a bone morp hogenetic protein delivery system, As a test for this possibility, gel atin capsules containing squalane and bone morphogenetic protein (bovi ne derived partially purified) composite were implanted under the hind quarter perimuscular membrane of ddY mice, Control capsules containing only bone morphogenetic protein were used for controls, The implants were radiographically and histologically examined at 1 to 4 weeks afte r the operation, According to the radiographic analysis, squalane and bone morphogenetic protein composite and bone morphogenetic protein on ly control specimens formed widespread heterotopic bone tissues. The a mount of heterotopic bone formation in the composite experimental spec imens was approximately 40% greater than that in the controls. Histolo gic examination of experimental and control specimens revealed varying amounts of perichondral ossification by 2 weeks, By 3 and 4 weeks, th e bone deposits were colonized by hematopoietic bone marrow, Squalane was effective for the slow local release of bone morphogenetic protein , Furthermore, the squalane and bone morphogenetic protein composite w as a reliable osteoinductive biomaterial.