Fibrochondrocyte Growth and Functionality on TiO2 Nanothin Films

Abstract

Disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) are a long-standing health concern. TMJ disorders (TMJD) are often associated with an internal disc derangement accompanied by a suite of symptoms including joint noises, jaw dysfunction, and severe pain. The severity of patient symptoms and their reoccurrence can be alleviated to some extent with conservative therapy; however, refractory cases often require surgery that has shown only limited success. Bioengineered scaffolds with cell supportive surfaces an d nanoarchitectures that mimic TMJ tissue structure may offer an alternative treatment modality. In this study, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanothin films, fabricated by layer-by-layer assembly, were examined as means for creating such a scaffold. The viability and growth of TMJ discal fibrochondrocytes (FCs) were assessed through MTT and DNA assays and total protein content over a 14-day experimental period. ELISA was also used to measure expression of types I and II collagen, decorin and aggrecan. Quantitative analyses demonstrated that FCs synthesized characteristic discal matrix proteins, with an increased production of type I collagen and decorin as opposed to collagen type II and aggrecan. A stimulatory effect on discal FC proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) expression with thicker nanofilms was also observed. The cumulative results suggest that TiO2 nanofilms may have potential as a TMJ scaffolding material.

Remaining Hurdles for Tissue-Engineering the Temporomandibular Joint Disc

“…Tissue-engineering uses scaffolds, cells, and various signals such as biochemical and mechanical stimuli (Figure 3). As discussed in this section, advances in materials engineering have resulted in a variety of scaffolds [34][35][36], while scaffold-free approaches, such as the selfassembling process [37][38][39], have also emerged in TMJ disc tissue-engineering. In terms of cell sources, primary chondrocytes, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and cell expansion technologies are also reviewed below (Table 1).…”

“…New fabrication methods allow for surface modifications of scaffolding materials. Layer-bylayer nanoassembly is one such fabrication method [34,44]. Titanium dioxide nanofilms are used to modify surfaces of scaffolds for tissue-engineering of bone [44] as well as cartilage [34].…”

“…Layer-bylayer nanoassembly is one such fabrication method [34,44]. Titanium dioxide nanofilms are used to modify surfaces of scaffolds for tissue-engineering of bone [44] as well as cartilage [34]. These nanofilms are created by layer-by-layer nanoassembly, based on the principle of electrostatic charge, to coat various surfaces allowing for increased cell attachment, control of cell phenotype, and control of differentiation.…”

“…These nanofilms are created by layer-by-layer nanoassembly, based on the principle of electrostatic charge, to coat various surfaces allowing for increased cell attachment, control of cell phenotype, and control of differentiation. In a study using titanium dioxide surface modification with seeded TMJ disc cells, cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition increased with increasing thickness of nanofilms [34]. The matrix was reminiscent of a fibrous ECM, in contrast to a cartilaginous ECM.…”

Carboxylic acid-functionalized TiO2 nanoparticle-loaded PMMA/PEEK copolymer matrix as a dental resin for 3D complete denture manufacturing by stereolitographic technique

“…[20,21] A biologically active TiO 2 nanoparticle-incorporated material is always employed as a reinforced material for dental and bone implant regeneration coatings due to its excellent antimicrobial and biological activity. [22][23][24][25][26] Improving the antimicrobial properties of the synthesized composite resins was most helpful in monitoring secondary caries adjacent to the dental filling, which was investigated and reported as the main reason for many restoration failures. The biological characteristics of TiO 2 have been efficiently enhanced the antibacterial protection and osteoblast cell adhesion after the dental implant and also aggressively improved the self-healing characteristics by attaining a direct chemical bonding to the surrounding dental tissues.…”