Use of growth factors to modify osteoinductivity of demineralized bone allografts: lessons for tissue engineering of bone.

Biologically active bone graft substitute materials are needed for repair and regeneration of skeletal tissues. Current approaches are focused on the use of osteoinductive agents, including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) in combination with biodegradable carriers. Demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) can provide an osteoconductive surface and, at the same time, function as a time-release carrier for BMP. Donor variability, however, limits the predictability of DFDBA as an osteoinductive material. This article examines the use of growth factors, including platelet-rich plasma, platelet-derived growth factor, enamel matrix derivatives, and BMP-2, to enhance the osteoinductive properties of human DFDBA.