BMP-2-Loaded Self-Crosslinking CaP/Hydrogel Composite Enables Complete Regeneration of Critical-Sized Segmental Bone Defects
Abstract
Critical-size segmental bone defects remain a major challenge in orthopedic surgery, often requiring complex reconstruction strategies associated with significant morbidity. This study evaluated the regenerative potential of a self-crosslinking bone substitute (SCBS) composed of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) granules suspended in a silanized hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Si-HPMC) hydrogel, with or without recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), in a canine load-bearing defect model. Bilateral 2-cm segmental defects were created in the ulnae of five adult beagle dogs. Defects were filled with SCBS alone or SCBS loaded with rhBMP-2. Bone regeneration and biomaterial remodeling were assessed after 20 weeks using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histomorphometry, elemental analysis, and histology. SCBS loaded with rhBMP-2 resulted in complete defect bridging, with 35% newly formed bone and only 5% residual BCP granules. In contrast, SCBS alone induced limited bone formation (10%), primarily at host interfaces, with substantial persistence of BCP (33%). Newly formed bone in the rhBMP-2 group exhibited a dense lamellar structure with Haversian organization and direct contact with residual biomaterial. Elemental analysis revealed a lower Ca/P ratio compared with control, suggesting ongoing remodeling. These findings demonstrate that controlled delivery of rhBMP-2 from a self-crosslinking CaP/hydrogel composite enhances both bone formation and biomaterial resorption, supporting a coupled regeneration process. This approach represents a promising strategy for the treatment of segmental bone defects and non-unions in orthopedic applications.
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BibTeX
@article{toure2026bmp2loaded,
title = {{BMP-2-Loaded Self-Crosslinking CaP/Hydrogel Composite Enables Complete Regeneration of Critical-Sized Segmental Bone Defects}},
author = {Amadou Touré and Ombeline Aroux and Joelle Veziers and Sophie Sourice and Kevin Minier and Borhane Fellah and Valérie Geoffroy and Bernard Giumelli and Olivier Gauthier and Pierre Weiss},
journal = {Bioengineering},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.3390/bioengineering13080888},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05740638v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - BMP-2-Loaded Self-Crosslinking CaP/Hydrogel Composite Enables Complete Regeneration of Critical-Sized Segmental Bone Defects
AU - Amadou Touré
AU - Ombeline Aroux
AU - Joelle Veziers
AU - Sophie Sourice
AU - Kevin Minier
AU - Borhane Fellah
AU - Valérie Geoffroy
AU - Bernard Giumelli
AU - Olivier Gauthier
AU - Pierre Weiss
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/31
JO - Bioengineering
DO - 10.3390/bioengineering13080888
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05740638v1
AB - Critical-size segmental bone defects remain a major challenge in orthopedic surgery, often requiring complex reconstruction strategies associated with significant morbidity. This study evaluated the regenerative potential of a self-crosslinking bone substitute (SCBS) composed of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) granules suspended in a silanized hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Si-HPMC) hydrogel, with or without recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2), in a canine load-bearing defect model. Bilateral 2-cm segmental defects were created in the ulnae of five adult beagle dogs. Defects were filled with SCBS alone or SCBS loaded with rhBMP-2. Bone regeneration and biomaterial remodeling were assessed after 20 weeks using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histomorphometry, elemental analysis, and histology. SCBS loaded with rhBMP-2 resulted in complete defect bridging, with 35% newly formed bone and only 5% residual BCP granules. In contrast, SCBS alone induced limited bone formation (10%), primarily at host interfaces, with substantial persistence of BCP (33%). Newly formed bone in the rhBMP-2 group exhibited a dense lamellar structure with Haversian organization and direct contact with residual biomaterial. Elemental analysis revealed a lower Ca/P ratio compared with control, suggesting ongoing remodeling. These findings demonstrate that controlled delivery of rhBMP-2 from a self-crosslinking CaP/hydrogel composite enhances both bone formation and biomaterial resorption, supporting a coupled regeneration process. This approach represents a promising strategy for the treatment of segmental bone defects and non-unions in orthopedic applications.
SN - 2306-5354
ER -