Angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This study aimed to develop an electrospun fiber scaffold that supports release of recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (rhVEGF) to enhance angiogenesis. Scaffolds composed of core-shell fibers were fabricated using co-electrospinning. The core solution was composed of polyethylene oxide and mixed with rhVEGF. The shell solution was composed of polycarpolactone, with 0.25, 1, and 3% of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to manipulate pore size on the shell. Pore size and density increased with higher PEG concentrations. Similarly, rhVEGF release was affected by PEG concentration: initial burst release was found in all scaffolds, followed by continuous 4 h release in 3% PEG and 18 h release in the 0.25 and 1% PEG polymeric scaffolds. Endothelial cell migration toward rhVEGF-incorporated polymeric scaffold was 80-fold higher as compared to VEGF-free polymeric scaffold. In a subcutaneous mouse model, VEGF-incorporated polymeric scaffold stimulated cell migration into the scaffold within three days and significantly enhanced blood vessels formation within 14 days, whereas control scaffolds contained few vessels. In conclusion, the described novel scaffold represents a promising device for vascular tissue engineering, which may be of clinical significance in treating vascular deficient wounds. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2712-2721, 2017.

The results of this study demonstrating higher vitality and proliferation of MSCs seeded onto BB. Furthermore, following ridge preservation, higher percentage of new bone and lower residual scaffold were found in the BB compared with BO. This enhanced regenerative response might be the result of an enhancement of metabolic activity in cells attached to it. Further research will be needed to understand the precise mechanism.

Background: Previous studies focused on the influence of buccal mucosa thickness on peri-implant bone loss and inflammation, with inconclusive results. We observed substantially thicker palatal mucosal tissues at peri-implantitis sites. Therefore, we hypothesize that thick palatal peri-implant mucosa may be associated with deeper pockets and disease severity.Purpose: To compare the thickness of the palatal tissue between natural teeth and implants in periodontal health and disease.Methods: Adult, non-smoker, healthy patients who visited our department for periodontal examination or treatment with restored implants in the posterior maxilla were recruited. Probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and radiographic measurements were recorded around implant and the contralateral tooth.Palatal tissue thickness was measured using a 30G needle that was inserted perpendicular into the mucosa at the bottom of the periodontal/peri-implant pocket and 3 mm coronally. Differences in the palatal tissue thickness between teeth and implants (in the same patient) was performed using t-test; as well as between periimplantitis and non-peri-implantitis sites (among patients).Results: Sixty patients were included. Thirty-four implants were diagnosed with periimplantitis and 26 healthy/mucositis implants with corresponding 24 healthy/gingivitis teeth and 36 teeth with attachment loss. Mean PD was higher around implants (4.47 ± 1.57 mm) than teeth (3.61 ± 1.23 mm, p = 0.001). The thickness of implants' palatal mucosa was higher than in teeth, at the base of the pocket and 3 mm coronally (4.58 ± 1.38 mm vs. 3.01 ± 1.11, p = 0.000; 3.58 ± 2.15 vs. 1.89 ± 1.11, p = 0.000, respectively). Mean palatal tissue thickness was 4.32 ± 2.35 mm for the peri-implantitis group while only 2.61 ± 1.39 in healthy implants, 3 mm coronal to the base of the pocket (p = 0.001). Palatal thickness at peri-implantitis sites was higher (4.32 ± 2.35