IN-VITRO RELEASE KINETICS OF BIOLOGICALLY-ACTIVE TRANSFORMING GROWTH-FACTOR-BETA-1 FROM A NOVEL POROUS-GLASS CARRIER

Sol-gel silica-based porous glass (xerogel) was used as a novel carrie r material for recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TG F-beta 1). Room temperature synthesis procedures included sol preparat ion, the addition of TGF-beta 1 solution to the sol, subsequent gelati on and drying. After determination of optimal synthesis parameters, th e material was assayed in vitro for its ability to release biologicall y active TGF-beta 1 in a controlled manner. Sustained release of TGF-b eta 1 over a 7-day period was demonstrated. On the basis of published TGF-beta 1 potency, the amount released is capable of eliciting bone t issue reactivity. These findings suggest that this novel glass-growth factor composite may serve as an effective bone graft material for the repair of osseous detects. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.