Bio-Mineralization Peptides

C3 has developed a set of novel bio-mineralization modulating peptides that have demonstrated the ability to bind to surfaces in a tissue specific manner. These peptides may be used to foster or block mineralization with potential uses in enhancing osseointegration and remineralization or blocking unwanted calcification, remineralizing demineralized areas, and many other applications.

Potential applications include:

  • Medical Devices
     o Diagnose bone and tooth defects
     o Foster osseointegration of implanted devices
     o Prevent calcification of implanted devices

  • Preventative Treatment
     o Remineralize dental defects to stop further damage
                                                                 o Block unwanted or harmful calcification (e.g. chronic kidney
                                                                    disease/ESRD, diabetes, atherosclerosis)

  • Enhanced Medical Treatment
     o Improve bone healing
     o Augment therapeutic targeting to mineralized tissues
     o Provide targeted delivery of antimicrobial and other therapeutic compounds

               
     Figure: Left = Untreated, induced bone defect. Right = Treated bone defect at 3 weeks.

Scientific Profile:

  • These peptides are currently in preclinical testing
  • Variants have been identified to specifically bind to dentin or enamel, periodontal bone,
     long bones, degraded mineral surfaces. Additional surface types are currently being tested.
  • In vivo toxicity testing shows no acute toxicity, no organ damage, and no antigenic response.

Patent Profile:

  • PCT Number WO/2007/038683

STAMP Variations

Utilizing C3’s STAMP Platform, mineral binding peptides can serve at the targeting moiety to enable specific activity using antimicrobials. A mineral binding STAMP would have the ability of not only treating and preventing microbial infections, but also generate simultaneous remineralization activity. This capability adds potential applications in treating bone implant infections, osteomyelitis, and diseases localized to bones and other mineralized tissues.