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Promoting bioengineered tooth innervation using nanostructured and hybrid scaffolds.
S Kuchler-Bopp1, A Larrea2, L Petry1
1INSERM, UMR 1109, Osteoarticular and Dental Regenerative NanoMedicine Laboratory, FMTS, 11 rue Humann, Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France(1); Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Chirurgie Dentaire, 1 place de l'Hôpital, Strasbourg F-67000, France.
Researchers developed Cyclosporine A (CsA)-loaded nanoparticles embedded in PCL scaffolds to enhance bioengineered tooth innervation. This approach successfully promoted nerve regeneration in dental implants, showing significant potential for dental engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Tooth innervation, mediated by trigeminal ganglia, is crucial for dental function and protection.
- Cyclosporine A (CsA) accelerates tissue innervation, including bioengineered teeth, but systemic administration has side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop CsA-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles embedded in polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds for enhanced bioengineered tooth innervation.
- To evaluate the efficacy of these functionalized scaffolds in promoting nerve regeneration in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of CsA-loaded PLGA nanoparticles and their incorporation into electrospun PCL scaffolds.
- Co-implantation of dental re-associations with trigeminal ganglia on functionalized scaffolds in adult ICR mice.
- Histological analysis, indirect immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to assess tooth development and innervation.
Main Results:
- The PCL scaffolds did not adversely affect tooth development post-implantation.
- Scaffolds functionalized with CsA-loaded PLGA nanoparticles resulted in 88.4% of regenerated teeth being innervated.
- Successful local, sustained delivery of CsA was achieved, promoting nerve regeneration.
Conclusions:
- Functionalized PCL scaffolds with CsA-loaded nanoparticles represent a promising strategy for enhancing bioengineered tooth innervation.
- This approach offers a potential solution to avoid systemic CsA side effects while promoting neural regeneration for dental applications.
