Effect of bone morphogenetic proteins 2 and 7 on septal chondrocytes in alginate.

Abstract

To determine the effects of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP)-2 and -7, and serum, on extracellular matrix production by human septal chondrocytes in alginate. Human nasal septal chondrocytes were expanded, suspended in alginate, and cultured in BMP-2 or 7, with and without serum. The optimal concentration of each growth factor was determined based on matrix production. Next, the synergistic effects of BMP-2 and -7 at optimal concentrations were determined on separate beads, based on matrix quantity and histology. Matrix content was highest with concentrations of BMP-2 and -7 of 100 ng/ml and 20 ng/ml, respectively, with serum. Adding both BMP-2 and -7, with serum, increased matrix content by factors of 5.1 versus serum-only cultures, 2.7 versus only BMP-2 with serum, and 2.4 versus only BMP-7 with serum. All comparisons were statistically significant. BMP-2 and -7 significantly increase production of extracellular matrix by septal chondrocytes suspended in alginate. The presence of serum improves matrix production. BMP-2 and -7 have great potential for use in cartilage tissue engineering.