Injectable bone using chitosan-alginate gel/mesenchymal stem cells/BMP-2 composites

Summary Aim Several injectable materials have been used as osteogenic bone substitutes. However, none has gained universal acceptance. This study was performed to investigate whether or not chitosan-alginate gel/mesenchymal stem cells/bone morphogenetic protein-2 composites are potentially injectable materials for new bone formation. Material and methods The composites were injected into the subcutaneous space on the dorsum of nude mice to investigate new bone tissue formation. The composites were examined histologically over a 12-week period. Results The composites injected into the mouse were able to stimulate new bone formation, which was trabecular in type. Conclusions This study showed that chitosan-alginate gel/MSCs/BMP-2 composites could become clinically useful injectable materials to generate new bone.