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Nano-hydroxyapatite-incorporated polycaprolactone nanofibrous scaffold as a dentin tissue engineering-based strategy for vital pulp therapy

Mendes Soares IP, Anselmi C, Kitagawa FA, Ribeiro RAO, Leite ML, de Souza Costa CA, Hebling J

Dental materials : official publication of the Academy of Dental Materials, 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Targeting a tissue engineering-based vital pulp therapy (VPT), this study investigated the incorporation of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) into polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers, and the metabolism of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) seeded on the scaffolds.

METHODS: PCL-based solutions (10% w/v) containing nHA (0 - control; 0.5; 1.0; or 2.0% w/v) were electrospun into nanofibrous scaffolds. The scaffolds were characterized for morphology and composition (MEV/EDS), solubility, the release of calcium/phosphate (C/P), and modulation of medium pH. Then, HDPCs were seeded on the scaffolds and evaluated for cell viability (alamarBlue and live/dead), adhesion and spreading (F-actin), total protein (TP; Lowry), alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP; thymolphthalein assay), expression of odontogenic genes (RT-qPCR), and formation of a mineralized matrix (Alizarin Red). Data were analyzed with ANOVA and post-hocs (α = 5%).

RESULTS: Higher nHA concentrations roughened fiber surfaces, whereas PCL+ 2%nHA increased the interfibrillar spaces. PCL+ 1%nHA or PCL+ 2%nHA significantly released more C/P but the medium pH was maintained below 8.0. HDPCs viability was not affected by nHA, while cell adhesion/spreading was favored, especially for PCL+ 2%nHA. Higher protein content and ALP activity were seen for scaffolds incorporated with nHA, after 21 days. PCL+ 1%nHA and PCL+ 2%nHA upregulated the expression of DSPP and DMP1 in 14 days, and COL1A1, ALPL, and DMP1 in 21 days. The formation of…

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