Decellularized bone extracellular matrix and human dental pulp stem cells as a construct for bone regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Stem Cell Biology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a promising source of mesenchymal stem cells with osteogenic potential.
• Bone extracellular matrix (bECM) and collagen type I (Col-I) are key components of bone tissue.
• Hydrogel scaffolds are utilized for tissue regeneration applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro osteogenic induction of DPSCs on bECM-derived hydrogels compared to Col-I hydrogels.
• To investigate the influence of different culture media on DPSC differentiation on these scaffolds.

Main Methods:

• DPSCs were cultured on bECM and Col-I hydrogel scaffolds.
• Cultures were maintained in basal medium, osteogenic medium, or medium supplemented with growth factors (GFs).
• Cell viability, mineral deposition, and gene/protein expression of osteogenic markers were assessed.

Main Results:

• DPSCs remained viable on bECM hydrogels for three weeks.
• Significant upregulation of RUNX-2 and BSP gene expression was observed on bECM scaffolds even in basal medium.
• Higher protein levels of BSP and osteocalcin were detected on bECM compared to Col-I scaffolds.
• Osteogenic or GFs supplemented media further enhanced osteo-specific marker expression on bECM hydrogels.

Conclusions:

• bECM hydrogels promote osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs.
• bECM scaffolds are superior to Col-I scaffolds for supporting DPSC osteogenesis.
• bECM hydrogels show potential as suitable scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications.