Peptide Amphiphiles Serve as Improved Delivery Vehicles for rhBMP-2 in a Rabbit Spine Fusion Model

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Advances in biologics and other bone graft substitutes have decreased the rate of pseudarthrosis; however, there still exists a need for a product that elicits high fusion rates with minimal adverse effects. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) applied onto an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) results in fusion rates of >90% in humans. However, the supraphysiologic dose of rhBMP-2 required with this vehicle can lead to serious complications. In previous work, we developed nanofiber scaffolds composed of peptide amphiphiles (PA) that are capable of delivering exogenous rhBMP-2. Additionally, we have further modified this PA to include an rhBMP-2 binding motif.