Bone matrix compositions and methods

摘要

The present invention provides methods of improving the osteogenic and/or chondrogenic activity of a bone matrix, e.g., a dermineralized bone matrix (DBM), by exposing the bone matrix to one or more treatments or conditions. In preferred embodiments the bone matrix is derived from human bone. The treatment or condition may alter the structure of the bone matrix and/or cleave one or more specific proteins. Cleavage may generate peptides or protein fragments that have osteoinductive, osteogenic, or chondrogenic activity. Preferred treatments include collagenase and various other proteases. The invention further provides improved bone and cartilage matrix compositions that have been prepared according to the inventive methods and methods of treatment using the compositions. The invention further provides methods of preparing, testing, and using the improved bone matrix compositions. On a assay comprises exposing relatively undifferentiated mesenchymal cells to a bone matrix composition and measuring expression of a marker characteristic of osteoblast or chondrocyte lineage(s). Increased expression of the marker relative to the level of the marker in cells that have been exposed to a control matrix (e.g., an inactivated or untreated matrix) indicates that the treatment or condition increased the osteogenic and/or chondrogenic activity of the bone matrix. Suitable cells include C2C12 cells. A suitable marker is alkaline phosphatase. The inventive methods increase the osteogenic and/or chondrogenic activity of human DBM when tested using this assay system.

主权项

1. A method of preparing a modified bone matrix, the method comprising:
exposing a bone matrix to heat treatment to increase at least one biological activity and solubility of the bone matrix; and exogenously adding to the bone matrix a biodegradable diffusion barrier material; wherein the solubility of the heat treated bone matrix is between 10% to 4000% greater than that of a bone matrix that is not subjected to heat treatment; and wherein the biodegradable diffusion barrier is dextran.