Presentation of the OSCODI project

In the field of orthopedics, the contact with an implant and the new bone forming is very important to ensure a proper osteo-integration of the implant. One of the challenges is to boost bone regeneration, to limit the number of surgeries and to decrease the hospitalization time in order to reduce the costs. The nature of the implantable materials used in clinical practice is very diverse as metal, ceramics and polymers are commonly used depending on the specific application and needs.

The strategies already used in clinics are based on two major routes:

1. use of osteoconductive materials or osteoconductive coatings, such as ceramic coatings, which will help to improve the connexion between the new bone forming and the implant.
2. use of osteo-inductive implants that will induce bone regeneration.
   

The only way to achieve this osteo-induction is to deliver a bioactive protein, which is a growth factor from the bone morphogenetic family (BMP). BMP-2 and BMP-7 are two members of this family already used in practice in spine, long bone and cranio-facial surgery. However, currently, their use is limited to collagen sponges or paste, to which they are associated and poorly retained. In fact, due to this poor retention, a very high amount of BMP (typically 10 mg) is required. This leads to a high cost of the product and to possible risks of adverse side effect, notably immunogenic reaction.