N,N-dicarboxymethyl chitosan as delivery agent for bone morphogenetic protein in the repair of articular cartilage

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), associated with N,N-dicarboxymethyl chito san, is used to induce or facilitate the repair of articular cartilage lesi ons. This association is intended for the synergistic potentiation of the r espective biological effects. Data show that BMP-7 enhances the in vivo pro liferation of cells with chondrocytes phenotype in the articular environmen t, leading to partial healing of the articular surface of the lesions. N,N- dicarboxymethyl chitosan is found to be useful as a molecular carrier or dr ug delivery agent.