Stem Cells Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Stem Cells, including details on research, transplants, therapy, benefits.

Injectable bone using chitosan-alginate gel/mesenchymal stem cells/BMP-2 composites.

Park DJ, Choi BH, Zhu SJ, Huh JY, Kim BY, Lee SH

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, South Korea.

AIM: Several injectable materials have been used as osteogenic bone substitutes. However, none has gained universal acceptance. This study was performed to investigate whether or not chitosan-alginate gel/mesenchymal stem cells/bone morphogenetic protein-2 composites are potentially injectable materials for new bone formation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The composites were injected into the subcutaneous space on the dorsum of nude mice to investigate new bone tissue formation. The composites were examined histologically over a 12-week period. RESULTS: The composites injected into the mouse were able to stimulate new bone formation, which was trabecular in type. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that chitosan-alginate gel/MSCs/BMP-2 composites could become clinically useful injectable materials to generate new bone.

Published 7 February 2005 in J Craniomaxillofac Surg, 33(1): 50-4.
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