Hypes and Hopes of Stem Cell Therapies in Dentistry: a Review

Abstract

One of the most exciting advances in life science research is the development of 3D cell culture systems to obtain complex structures called organoids and spheroids. These 3D cultures closely mimic in vivo conditions, where cells can grow and interact with their surroundings. This allows us to better study the spatio-temporal dynamics of organogenesis and organ function. Furthermore, physiologically relevant organoids cultures can be used for basic research, medical research, and drug discovery. Although most of the research thus far focuses on the development of heart, liver, kidney, and brain organoids, to name a few, most recently, these structures were obtained using dental stem cells to study in vitro tooth regeneration. This review aims to present the most up-to-date research showing how dental stem cells can be grown on specific biomaterials to induce their differentiation in 3D. The possibility of combining engineering and biology principles to replicate and/or increase tissue function has been an emerging and exciting field in medicine. The use of this methodology in dentistry has already yielded many interesting results paving the way for the improvement of dental care and successful therapies. Graphical abstract

Novel approaches for periodontal tissue engineering

“…Multiple stem cell technologies have been successfully validated in human clinical trials to regenerate dental/oral tissues. Furthermore, in various small sample studies, clinicians' attitudes (Aiyegbusi et al, 2020 ; y Baena, Casasco, & Monti, 2022 ) and medical and dental students (Burdick, Mauck, Gorman, & Gorman, 2013 ) are positive toward cell‐based regenerative technologies. These surveys also demonstrate poor knowledge of the use of stem cells and a need for significant clinician education to enable their efficient clinical adoption (y Baena et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Furthermore, in various small sample studies, clinicians' attitudes (Aiyegbusi et al, 2020 ; y Baena, Casasco, & Monti, 2022 ) and medical and dental students (Burdick, Mauck, Gorman, & Gorman, 2013 ) are positive toward cell‐based regenerative technologies. These surveys also demonstrate poor knowledge of the use of stem cells and a need for significant clinician education to enable their efficient clinical adoption (y Baena et al, 2022 ). Interestingly, the opinions of dental hygienists and assistants, among other clinical auxiliary staff, have not been well reported.…”

Organoids of the male reproductive system: Challenges, opportunities, and their potential use in fertility research

“…Xu et al, 2022). The impact of organoid technology on human dental health has been highlighted in Rodriguez y Baena's work (Y Baena et al, 2022).…”

“…Dental organoids have been applied to test the biocompatibility of some biomaterials (e.g, capping agents) and to evaluate the impact of drugs on dental pulp and tissue regeneration (X. Xu et al, 2022). The impact of organoid technology on human dental health has been highlighted in Rodriguez y Baena's work (Y Baena et al, 2022).…”

The Effects of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 on the Differentiation of Cell Organoids Composed of Gingiva-Derived Stem Cells

“…One of the three-dimensional cultures of spheroids has advantages over two-dimensional cultures in that it mimics in vivo circumstances better with enhanced cell-to-cell interactions and regeneration capabilities [ 2 ]. Cells can also grow in size and can interact with their surroundings [ 3 ]. In a previous report, hybrid spheroids were fabricated through the fusion progenitor cell spheroids, endothelial cell spheroids, and supporting stem cells to achieve increased differentiation [ 4 ].…”