Innovative approach for the in vitro research on biomedical scaffolds designed and customized with CAD-CAM technology

Abstract

Introduction: Studies on biomaterials involve assays aimed to assess the interactions between the biomaterial and the cells seeded on its surface. However, the morphology of biomaterials is heterogeneous and it could be tricky to standardize the results among different biomaterials and the classic plastic plates. In this light, we decided to create, by means of computer-aided design (CAD) technology, a standardized sample model, with equal shape and sizes, able to fit into a classic shape of a 96-wells tissue culture plate (TCP). Methods:The design of this sample consists of a hole in the top in order to allow the injected cells to settle without them being able to slip from the sides of the sample to the bottom of the TCP wells. This CAD project is made using the software Pro-Engineer. The sample will totally fill the wells of the 96-well TCP. Dental pulp stem cells have been used to assess the ability of the different sample to support and promote the cell proliferation. Results: Twelve titanium, 12 gold-palladium, and 12 zirconium oxide customized samples were designed by means of the software cam powermill, by importing the .stl file created in Pro-Engineer software. The proliferation rate of the tested scaffolds showed to be similar to the control in the group with the customized shape. Conclusion: We think that our method can be useful to test different types of scaffolds when a greater accuracy of the measurements is desirable in order to verify the cell behavior of these scaffolds. Our innovative method can improve the standardization process in the evaluation of cell behavior on different biomaterials to open the way to more reliable tests on biomatrices functionalized with drugs or growth factors applied to the future regenerative medicine.

Pheochromocytoma (PC12) Cell Response on Mechanobactericidal Titanium Surfaces

“…Resistance to bacterial contamination is of particular importance for the manufacture of orthopaedic implants. Nanoengineering of titanium and titanium alloys has been performed in order to generate surfaces possessing nanotopographies that are not only antibacterial, but also display biocompatibility towards human cells [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Considerable progress in implant technologies over the last decade has demonstrated the significance of micro-structured topographies which are able to guide cell growth and tissue development.…”

“…Considerable progress in implant technologies over the last decade has demonstrated the significance of micro-structured topographies which are able to guide cell growth and tissue development. These surfaces also have the ability to control cell migration and alignment [ 10 , 11 , 12 ], yet currently the impact of the surface nanoscale topographical features on the growth of mammalian cells is only an emerging area of research, and hence very little is known on this topic. In addition, it is important to proceed with cell-surface interaction investigations in a standardised manner which accounts for superficial modifications of the biomaterials and modification to the culture conditions, all of which may have an impact on the response of cells grown on the studied materials, ensuring greater accuracy of the measurements obtained [ 13 ].…”

Remineralization Strategies in Oral Hygiene: A Position Paper of Italian Society of Oral Hygiene Sciences-S.I.S.I.O. Working Group

“…Remineralizing products are made by different and numerous compounds, some of them are biomaterials used as scaffold or fillers [ 28 - 30 ]. Many of them are quite often present in the common formulations, thus, we think it’s interesting to briefly report their characteristics.…”

Gingival-derived mesenchymal stem cells: An endless resource for regenerative dentistry

“…The second field of investigation involves research about new features, such as biomimetic materials that use fiber reinforced composite and polyethylene fibers with nanohybrid composite as alternates to crown coverage for endodontically-treated molars[ 3 ]. In addition, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing of customized devices is used to improve the standardization process in the evaluation of cell behavior on different biomaterials for in vitro research on biomedical scaffolds[ 4 ]. Furthermore, nanomaterials with the use of nanofillers are used to improve the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites that are polymerized with light-curing and additional postcuring[ 5 ].…”