Scaffold's surface geometry significantly affects human stem cell bone tissue engineering

Abstract

In this study, we have observed dental pulp stem cells (SBP-DPSCs) performances on different scaffolds, such as PLGA 85:15, hydroxyapatite chips (HA) and titanium. Stem cells were challenged with each engineered surface, either in plane cultures or in a rotating apparatus, for a month. Gingival fibroblasts were used as controls. Results showed that stem cells exerted a different response, depending on the different type of textured surface: in fact, microconcavities significantly affected SBP-DPSC differentiation into osteoblasts, both temporally and quantitatively, with respect to the other textured surfaces. Actually, stem cells challenged with concave surfaces differentiated quicker and showed nuclear polarity, an index of secretion, cellular activity and matrix formation. Moreover, bone-specific proteins were significantly expressed and the obtained bone tissue was of significant thickness. Thus, cells cultured on the concave textured surface had better cell-scaffold interactions and were induced to secrete factors that, due to their autocrine effects, quickly lead to osteodifferentiation, bone tissue formation, and vascularization. The worst cell performance was obtained using convex surfaces, due to the scarce cell proliferation on to the scaffold and the poor matrix secretion. In conclusion, this study stresses that for a suitable and successful bone tissue reconstruction the surface texture is of paramount importance.

Isolation, Characterization and Comparative Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Derived from Permanent Teeth by Using Two Different Methods

“…Characteristically, similar to the mesenchymal stem cells, dental pulp stem cells are adherent clonogenic cells which have multiple differentiation capacity into mesenchyme and/or non-mesenchyme lineages, both in vitro and in vivo. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]17,18 DPSCs are identified by their negative expression of hematopoietic antigens (e.g., CD45, CD34, CD14), and positive expression of CD90, CD29, CD73, CD105, CD44 and STRO-1. 19,20 Easy obtained potential with minimum pain & morbidity make human DPSCs as a valuable source of MSCs compared to the ordinary sources, such as bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells 21 .…”

Dental pulp tissue engineering

“…The physicomechanical characteristics of scaffolds (e.g. : shape and size of pores, rate of porosity, interconnectivity) are critical determinants of cell behavior and, consequently, tissue formation (24,(26)(27)(28). Furthermore, scaffolds can be functionalized with bioactive molecules, such as growth factors, to guide tissue formation or network vessel development (29).…”

Odontogenic epithelial stem cells: hidden sources

“…8 Furthermore, many cell lines can be retrieved that are demonstrating good compatibility and attachment to a variety of biomaterials. 10,11 DSCs are comparatively cost effective. 12 The DSC sources located so far in teeth are listed in Table 1.…”