Functionalization of Polycaprolactone Scaffolds with Hyaluronic Acid and β-TCP Facilitates Migration and Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem CellsIn Vitro

Abstract

In this study, we sought to assess the osteogenic potential of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) on three different polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds. The backbone structure of the scaffolds was manufactured by fused deposition modeling (PCL scaffold). The composition and morphology was functionalized in two of the scaffolds. The first underwent thermal induced phase separation of PCL infused into the pores of the PCL scaffold. This procedure resulted in a highly variable micro- and nanostructured porous (NSP), interconnected, and isotropic tubular morphology (NSP-PCL scaffold). The second scaffold type was functionalized by dip-coating the PCL scaffold with a mixture of hyaluronic acid and β-TCP (HT-PCL scaffold). The scaffolds were cylindrical and measured 5 mm in height and 10 mm in diameter. They were seeded with 1×10(6) human DPSCs, a cell type known to express bone-related markers, differentiate into osteoblasts-like cells, and to produce a mineralized bone-like extracellular matrix. DPSCs were phenotypically characterized by flow cytometry for CD90(+), CD73(+), CD105(+), and CD14(-). DNA, ALP, and Ca(2+) assays and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction for genes involved in osteogenic differentiation were analyzed on day 1, 7, 14, and 21. Cell viability and distribution were assessed on day 1, 7, 14, and 21 by fluorescent-, scanning electron-, and confocal microscopy. The results revealed that the DPSCs expressed relevant gene expression consistent with osteogenic differentiation. The NSP-PCL and HT-PCL scaffolds promoted osteogenic differentiation and Ca(2+) deposition after 21 days of cultivation. Different gene expressions associated with mature osteoblasts were upregulated in these two scaffold types, suggesting that the methods in which the scaffolds promote osteogenic differentiation, depends on functionalization approaches. However, only the HT-PCL scaffold was also able to support cell proliferation and cell migration resulting in even cell dispersion throughout the scaffold. In conclusion, DPSCs could be a possible alternate cell source for bone tissue engineering. The HT-PCL scaffold showed promising results in terms of promoting cell migration and osteogenic differentiation, which warrants future in vivo studies.

Evaluation of bone regeneration potential of dental follicle stem cells for treatment of craniofacial defects

“…Study reported that PCL was suitable for fabrication of scaffold for bone tissue engineering using osteoblasts (27). Recent study reported that PCL scaffold coated with hyaluronic acid and β-TCP mixture supports cell proliferation and cell migration of dental pulp stem cells resulting in even cell dispersion throughout the scaffold (28). It would be interesting to determine if PCL coated with hyaluronic acid and β-TCP mixture can be used as scaffold for DFSCs to improve tissue regeneration in future studies.…”

3D printed polymer–mineral composite biomaterials for bone tissue engineering: Fabrication and characterization

“…Different printing technologies were used to develop 3D scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications (Table ). Fused Deposition Modeling was the most frequently used printing technology as it was employed in 38 studies (Figure ) . Low‐temperature deposition manufacturing was used in 11 studies, selective laser sintering in seven studies, Stereolitography in three studies …”

“…PCL, PLA, and PLGA were the most used polymers. PCL was the most used polymer as it was found in 29 articles . PLA was used in 13 studies and PLGA in 14 studies .…”

Osteogenesis for postoperative temporal bone defects using human ear adipose‐derived stromal cells and tissue engineering: An animal model study

“…Artificial scaffolds must also be biodegradable, allowing extracellular matrix to occupy the empty space when the biomaterial is degraded . Polycaprolactone (PCL) is one of the most widely used U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved synthetic polymers, as it is highly biocompatible and biodegradable and non‐toxic …”