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Analysis of Developing Tooth Germ Innervation Using Microfluidic Co-culture Devices
Published on: August 14, 2015
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Microfluidics co-culture systems for studying tooth innervation.
Pierfrancesco Pagella1, Estrela Neto2, Lucia Jiménez-Rojo1
1Department of Orofacial Development and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Dental Medicine, Institute of Oral Biology, University of Zurich Zurich, Switzerland.
Frontiers in Physiology
|September 10, 2014
Summary
A new microfluidics system successfully co-cultures mouse trigeminal ganglia and developing teeth. This innovative method allows for specific media application, enabling long-term survival and accurate observation of neuronal-dental tissue interactions during orofacial development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Innervation is crucial for orofacial complex development and homeostasis.
- Tooth innervation occurs late, and neuronal roles in tooth development remain debated.
- Conventional co-cultures lack optimal conditions for distinct neuronal and dental tissue needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a microfluidics system for co-culturing mouse trigeminal ganglia and developing teeth.
- To assess the system's ability to mimic in vivo conditions for studying neuro-dental interactions.
- To investigate the effects of developing teeth on trigeminal neurites.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a microfluidics system for co-culturing mouse trigeminal ganglia and developing teeth.
- Applied specific culture media tailored to neuronal and dental tissue requirements.
- Monitored survival rates and neurite interactions over extended culture periods.
Main Results:
- Mouse trigeminal ganglia and teeth demonstrated long-term survival within the microfluidics system.
- Embryonic tooth germs repelled trigeminal neurites, while postnatal teeth attracted them.
- The co-culture system accurately reflected in vivo observed attractive and repulsive effects.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidics systems offer a valuable tool for studying neuro-dental interactions in orofacial development.
- This system faithfully imitates in vivo conditions, overcoming limitations of conventional co-cultures.
- The findings provide insights into the dynamic role of innervation in tooth development.
