Polymer-Based Instructive Scaffolds for Endodontic Regeneration

Abstract

The challenge of endodontic regeneration is modulated by clinical conditions which determine five kinds of tissue requirements: pulp connective-tissue formation, dentin formation, revascularization, reinnervation and radicular edification. Polymer scaffolds constitute keystone of the different endodontic regenerative strategies. Indeed, scaffolds are crucial for carrying active molecules and competent cells which optimize the regeneration. Hydrogels are very beneficial for controlling viscosity and porosity of endodontic scaffolds. The nanofibrous and microporous scaffolds mimicking extracellular matrix are also of great interest for promoting dentin-pulp formation. Two main types of polymer scaffolds are highlighted: collagen and fibrin. Collagen scaffolds which are similar to native pulp tissue, are adequate for pulp connective tissue formation. Functionnalization by active biomolecules as BMP, SDF-1, G-CSF enhances their properties. Fibrin or PRF scaffolds present the advantage of promoting stem cell differentiation and concomitant revascularisation. The choice of the type of polymers (polypeptide, PCL, chitosan) can depend on its ability to deliver the active biomolecule or to build as suitable hydrogel as possible. Since 2010s, proposals to associate different types of polymers in a same scaffold have emerged for adding advantages or for offsetting a disadvantage of a polymer. Further works would study the synergetic effects of different innovative polymers composition.

Injectable Biomaterials for Dental Tissue Regeneration

“…In regenerative endodontics, injectable hydrogels have shown feasibility of delivering dental pulp stem cells, supporting template-like enamel derivatives and growth factors (FGF-2, BMP-1, SDF-α1) to support dentin pulp complex formation. Controlled release of growth factors from dentin is an important defence mechanism against dental injuries [165]. These growth factors are trapped in dentin template at the time of dentinogenesis and are retained at the site as quarantined" molecules.…”

Dental stem cells: The role of biomaterials and scaffolds in developing novel therapeutic strategies

“…Furthermore, scaffold composition plays a key role in determining whether the application of signaling molecules or growth factors is needed. Various growth factors, such as SDF, FGF, TGF-β1, VEGF, and BMP were loaded on different scaffolds, such as peptide hydrogel, collagen, gelatin hydrogel, and alginate hydrogel, to enhance endodontic regeneration of DSCs[ 122 ]. In addition, a silk fibroin scaffold loaded with bFGF has been described as a promising scaffold for the proliferation and differentiation of DSCs in vitro [ 123 ].…”

The Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Dental Pulp in Modular Alginate-Gelatin/Nano-Hydroxyapatite Microcapsules

“…Gelatin is derived from collagen, the major organic component of the extracellular matrix of bone tissue, with adequate properties for bone tissue regeneration and revascularization (58,59).…”