Development and analysis of a bilayer scaffold for pulp-dentin regeneration

Abstract

The development of biocompatible and bioactive scaffolds based on biotechnology and tissue engineering concepts is the goal of pulp-dentin complex regeneration. These biomaterials should be able to induce the chemotaxis of resident stem cells to the pulp exposure site, followed by odontoblastic differentiation and deposition of mineralized extracellular matrix. For this specific clinical situation, the biomaterial surface in direct contact with the pulp tissue should modulate dentin regeneration mediated by stem cells, while the opposite face should be able to promote pulpal surface seal. In the present study, the development of a bilayer chitosan scaffold consisting of a dense surface interposed to a bioactive macro-porous surface will be proposed, aiming the development of innovative biomaterial for direct pulp capping therapy. Initially, a dense layer capable of co-polymerization with liner materials and avoid the diffusion of toxic components through its structure will be developed. Then, a bioactive scaffold, containing an interconnected porous network will be prepared, and finally the bi-layer scaffold will be stablished by the interposition of both biomaterials. The potential of bi-layer scaffold to act as a pulp capping agent will be evaluated by means of an artificial pulp chamber with simulated pulp pressure in vitro model (pAPC). The capability of dental pulp cells to migrate from a 3D culture to the scaffold surface, as well as its odontoblastic differentiation, will be evaluated. The numerical data obtained by the application of laboratory protocols will be submitted to specific statistical analysis. (AU)