Dental pulp stem-cell viability, proliferation and osteogenic potential in PCL/Poli(rotaxane) membranes

Abstract

Despite autogenous graft is still considered the gold standard in bone reconstruction, because of osteogenesis, osteoinduction and osteoconduction properties, it has some disadvantages. The majority complications are related to the donor site. Therefore, a series of new bone substitutes have been developed, and groundbreaking search has been a constant in bioengineering. Currently, besides bone substitutes, absorbable membranes have been occupied an important role in guided bone regeneration (GBR). These membranes were made of a great variety of biomaterials, non-absorbable and absorbable. Among absorbable materials, electro spinning polymers composites can be highlighted because of its low manufacturing cost and its high potential biological applications. The Materials and Engineering Department of UNICAMP developed a membrane composed by polymeric blends of PCL(policaprolactone) and polyrotaxane that according to the literature have important mechanical properties and high biocompatibility. Furthermore it has slow in vivo degradation rate, thus providing an adequate support until regeneration is completed. Low resorption rate is recommended for long-term applications, as slow release of bioactive molecules or substances. The purpose of this project is an in vitro evaluation of PCL/polyrotaxane membrane biological effect and its possible osteogenic potential. To answer our purpose, dental pulp stem cells will be seeded on PCL/ polyrotaxane membrane samples for cellular cytotoxicity, proliferation and adhesion. In addition alkaline phosphatase activity, mineral nodules formation and genic expression will be analyzed. If the results show that this polymeric composite could present osteogenic potential it will be matter of a new proposal to test a functionalized membrane with stem cells as a future alternative for critical bone defects. (AU)