One embodiment of the invention is demineralized bone putty composition
comprises: (1) demineralized bone matrix (DBM); and (2) a lipid fraction
selected from the group consisting of lecithin and a mixture of lecithin
and triglycerides containing unsaturated fatty acids. The putty
composition is moldable, biocompatible, slowly resorbable, insoluble in
tissue fluids, and non-extrudable. The composition delivers a
biologically active product to animals and humans that will enhance bone
formation at sites where bone is lost, deficient, or present in
suboptimal amounts. The composition can further comprise calcium, an
antioxidant such as Vitamin E or Vitamin C, or a hydrophilic polymer such
as methylcellulose, a methylcellulose derivative, carboxymethyl
cellulose, or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. A second embodiment of the
invention is a demineralized bone paste composition comprising: (1) about
15% to about 75% of an emulsion carrier, such as an aqueous phase; and
(2) a bone-material-containing phase comprising: (a) demineralized bone
matrix (DBM); and (b) an emulsifier component that is compatible with
lipids. This bone paste composition is moldable, biocompatible, slowly
resorbable, miscible with bone graft materials, soluble or partially
soluble in tissue fluids, and extrudable.