Recombinant proteins in the future of periodontal therapeutics: a review

Regeneration of periodontal tissues has been the ultimate goal of periodontal therapy. Conventional therapies may result only in repair of the periodontal tissues. Numerous regenerative techniques utilising autogenous bone grafts, allografts had been devised but they have significant limitations. Improved understanding of cellular and molecular biology of periodontal wound healing has lead to the application of exogenous growth factors in periodontal defects as they play a critical role in cellular events. Experimental studies utilizing recombinant human growth factors like platelet derived growth factor, bone morphogenetic protein supports periodontal regeneration using minimally invasive techniques. These biological molecules can be conjugated to tissue-engineered carrier constructs, which are artificial analogues of extracellular matrix. These carrier matrices protect, localize and release the recombinant proteins at the appropriate time . This review article highlights the role of various recombinant growth factors and the carrier constructs in periodontal wound healing and its limitations in clinical use.