THERMOSENSITIVE CHITOSAN AS A MATRIX FOR THE CONTROLLED DELIVERY OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE MOLECULES FOR ACCELERATED BONE REPAIR

摘要

Delivery of functionally active molecules to a variety of musculoskeletal tissues has been a major focus of investigation. However, use of biologically active proteins is hindered by a high cost of production and difficulty with long term storage. Peptides are an attractive alternative to active proteins because of their relatively simple structure and greater stability. Both of these traits reduce the cost and complexity of delivering bioactive molecules for tissue engineering. In vivo biopanning studies have revealed bone targeting peptides that potentiate bone regeneration. One of the bone targeting peptides, when delivered to rat bone defects, has been shown to enhance and accelerate bone healing. Local delivery of the peptide in a controlled and sustained manner using appropriate carrier vehicles is important to healthy bone growth.