Release Kinetics of rhBMP-2 Using E-PRF as an Autologous Carrier: An In Vitro Analysis

April 16, 2026 updated by: Maria L. Geisinger, DDS, MS, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Release Kinetics of rhBMP-2 Using E-PRF as an Autologous Carrier: An in Vitro Analysis

This study is seeking to evaluate the binding of a commercially-available, recombinant human osteoinductive growth factor, rhBMP-2, to a human blood derived product scaffold, enhanced Platelet-rich fibrin (E-PRF), and the release of such a growth factor over time in an in vitro (laboratory) environment. The investigators will compare these release kinetics to those of the FDA approved carrier for rhBMP-2, an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS), a combination of E-PRF and ACS, and E-PRF alone.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

Innovations in biomedicine and recombinant protein technology show promising advances for the regeneration of advanced alveolar defects. Recombinant growth factors and biologics encourage minimally invasive procedures with improved clinical outcomes/healing times in complex oral surgery procedures. Recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) is a morphogen that is a well-known regulator of bone formation1 and has been widely studied for bone reconstructive treatments.2-6 RhBMP-2 is currently commercially available and loaded on an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS). This recombinant growth factor has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as an alternative to autogenous bone grafting in sinus augmentation and localized alveolar ridge augmentation for defects associated with extraction sockets. It is also used off-label for vertical bone augmentation. However, there are limitations of the ACS as a carrier because it is compressible and does not ideally support soft tissues to maintain space for osteogenesis to occur. Furthermore, the release kinetics of rhBMP-2 in a standardized in vitro environment from its ACS carrier are unknown and it is further unknown how such release would compare to the use of other carriers. Subcutaneous implantation in rats and implantation at orthotropic sites in rats and rabbits has also revealed that rhBMP-2-loaded ACS has a release of rhBMP-2 over 21 days with a half-life of 2 days. The use of an alternative delivery system may retain and sequester rhBMPs at the target site and extend its growth factor release over time. This may be clinically relevant as prolonging tissue exposure to an osteoinductive growth factor like rhBMP-2 could extend the period of osteoblastic bone deposition and improve repair at regenerative sites. E-PRF as an autologous carrier for rhBMP-2 may be advantageous based on its resorption properties of up to 4-6 months, as well as its ability to support the healing process due to the slow and gradual release of several growth factors including, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB, TGF- β1,VEGF, IGF, and EGF. This study aims to quantify the release of rhBMP-2 over a 120 day period with the use of a novel delivery system, E-PRF.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
20

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.
  • Name: Sarah Startley, DMD
  • Phone Number: 975-8711
  • Email: ss1971@uab.edu

Study Contact Backup

  • Name: Maria Geisinger, DDS,MS
  • Phone Number: 934-4984
  • Email: miagdds@uab.edu

Study Locations

  • United States
    • Alabama
      • Birmingham, Alabama, United States, 35294-0007
        • University of Alabama at Birmingham

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 99 years (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sampling Method

Probability Sample

Study Population

Participants must be at least 18 years old with demonstrated ability to understand and consent to the proposed study procedures. Subjects treated in the UAB School of Dentistry Periodontal Clinic and scheduled for procedures using platelet rich fibrin (PRF) were performed.

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • English speaking
  • At least 18 years old
  • Must be a patient of the UAB Dental School
  • Able to read and understand informed consent document
  • Previously treatment planned for a periodontal procedure that will utilize PRF, i.e. requiring venipuncture, as a part of the routine clinical care.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Non-English speaking
  • Less than 18 years old
  • Smokers/tobacco users (>10 cigarettes/day)
  • Patients with systemic pathologies or conditions contraindicating oral surgical procedures or adversely affecting wound healing as assessed by Board Certified Periodontal faculty at UAB Department of Periodontology
  • Patient-reported serious adverse events reported with venipuncture, blood sample collection, and/or blood donation.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort

Group / Cohort

A group or subgroup of participants in an observational study that is assessed for biomedical or health outcomes.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
E-PRF/rhBMP-2 (similar ratios)
Subjects will be used to procure the venous blood samples to make the enhanced platelet rich fibrin (E-PRF). Subjects have an established treatment plan that utilizes autologous PRF as an adjunctive biologic therapy during periodontal treatment.
Biological: E-PRF/rhBMP-2 (similar ratios)
During its preparation, 1.5 mg/ml rhBMP-2 will be incorporated into standardized samples to assure similar E-PRF to rhBMP-2 ratios. To allow for consistency across all samples, standardized E-PRF volume will be established using formation templates. Following its preparation, the E-PRF/rhBMP2 scaffold will undergo a standard in vitro assay to investigate growth factor release over time (ELISA quantification assay). Briefly, the e-PRF/rhBMP2 scaffold will be placed in a shaking incubator at 37 degree Celsius and assessed for growth factor release of rhBMP-2 over time.
E-PRF/ACS/rhBMP-2
Subjects will be used to procure the venous blood samples to make the enhanced platelet rich fibrin (E-PRF). Subjects have an established treatment plan that utilizes autologous PRF as an adjunctive biologic therapy during periodontal treatment.
Biological: E-PRF/ACS/rhBMP-2
rhBMP-2 diluted to account for the additional volume from the E-PRF in other samples will be loaded onto lyophilized absorbable collagen sponges as per the package insert. After the addition of the rhBMP-2, the ACS will be cut into 2mm x 2mm pieces and incorporated into the E-PRF membrane. Following its preparation, rhBMP-2 release from the E-PRF/ACS/rhBMP2 scaffold will be quantified using the ELISA quantification assay as described above.
rhBMP-2/E-PRF
Subjects will be used to procure the venous blood samples to make the enhanced platelet rich fibrin (E-PRF). Subjects have an established treatment plan that utilizes autologous PRF as an adjunctive biologic therapy during periodontal treatment.
Biological: rhBMP-2/E-PRF
rhBMP-2 diluted to account for the additional volume from the E-PRF in other samples will be loaded onto lyophilized absorbable collagen sponges as per the package insert. Rh-BMP2 release will be quantified using the ELISA quantification assay as described above
E-PRF only
Subjects will be used to procure the venous blood samples to make the enhanced platelet rich fibrin (E-PRF). Subjects have an established treatment plan that utilizes autologous PRF as an adjunctive biologic therapy during periodontal treatment.
Biological: E-PRF only
E-PRF will be prepared and standardized, but no rhBMP-2 will be added to the material. After preparation, the E-PRF scaffold assayed via ELISA quantification assay as described above to determine the release (if any) of intrinsic BMP-2 from the platelet concentrate scaffold.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
To quantify any difference between test groups in the release of rhBMP-2 after application to E-PRF and ACS, E-PRF, and ACS.
Time Frame: From baseline to 6 months
The quanitites of rhBMP-2 at all time points from all groups will be compared using statistical analysis by two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni test.
From baseline to 6 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
To more assess the capability of E-PRF without added rhBMP-2 to release any intrinsic autologous BMP-2 under experimental conditions.
Time Frame: From baseline to 6 months
The quanitites of rhBMP-2 at all time points from all groups will be compared using statistical analysis by two-way ANOVA with Bonferroni test.
From baseline to 6 months

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Principal Investigator: Maria Geisinger, DDS, MS, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
September 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
December 1, 2027

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
July 1, 2028

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
December 10, 2020

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
December 10, 2020

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
December 17, 2020

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
April 20, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
April 16, 2026

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
April 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • IRB-300005939
  • UAB-Perio (Other Identifier: University of Alabama at Birmingham)

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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