Osteoporosis and related conditions affect more than 10 million individuals in the United States, with an additional 40 million at risk due to low bone density. Bone defects resulting from trauma, infection, tumor resection, or degenerative disease remain a major clinical and socioeconomic challenge, contributing to an annual healthcare burden exceeding $5 billion in the U.S. alone. Although bone grafting remains a cornerstone of musculoskeletal repair and spinal reconstruction, current graft materials fall short of clinical demands. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) putties and particulates exhibit poor injectability, variable bioactivity, and a high risk of migration after implantation. Synthetic cements and ceramics offer improved handling and strength but lack the osteoconductive and osteoinductive capacity required for true regeneration. Cellular allografts, while biologically active, are costly, inconsistent in performance, and poorly suited for minimally invasive delivery. Collectively, these limitations underscore a critical unmet need for a biologically functional, minimally invasive, self-curable bone graft technology that can be precisely delivered through small cannulas, conform to irregular defect geometries, resist washout, and provide immediate mechanical stability while supporting long-term bone healing.
We have developed a self-curable allograft composite technology that leverages human bone allograft (HBA) particles dispersed within a polysaccharide-based matrix (e.g., hyaluronic acid). The gradual release of calcium ions from HBA particles initiates ionic crosslinking, yielding a tunable self-curing mechanism that eliminates the need for external stimuli. In its primary application, the formulation is designed as a minimally invasive injectable bone void filler, providing defect conformity, graft stability, and biologically active integration. Beyond injectable use, this versatile technology can be readily adapted as a moldable putty or formulated for extrusion-based 3D printing, enabling the fabrication of patient-specific grafts with customized geometry and mechanical performance. This adaptability positions the platform as a next-generation solution for bone repair, bridging a critical gap between biologic function and surgical practicality across spine, trauma, and reconstructive applications.