Application of BMP-2/FGF-2 gene-activated scaffolds for dental pulp capping
Leela Raghava Jaidev Chakka1, Jered Vislisel2, Cristina de Mattos Pimenta Vidal3
1University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, 180 S. Grand Avenue, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
Clinical Oral Investigations
|May 17, 2020
Summary
Non-viral gene therapy using nanoplexes carrying growth factors significantly enhanced human dental pulp stem cell proliferation and mineralization compared to MTA. This approach shows promise for engineered pulp tissue regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Dental Research
Background:
- Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are crucial for pulp regeneration.
- Non-viral gene therapy offers a potential method for enhancing DPSC functions.
- Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is a current standard for pulp capping.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of non-viral gene therapy on DPSCs in vitro and ex vivo.
- To compare gene therapy-loaded scaffolds with MTA for pulp capping applications.
Main Methods:
- Nanoplexes of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding FGF-2 and BMP-2 were created.
- DPSCs were treated with nanoplexes to assess cytotoxicity, protein expression, and mineralization.
- Collagen scaffolds with nanoplexes or MTA were used in an ex vivo tooth model for 14 days.
Main Results:
- Nanoplex treatment increased DPSC proliferation and expression of BMP-2 and FGF-2.
- Scaffolds with PEI-pBMP-2/pFGF-2 nanoplexes enhanced cell proliferation, protein expression, and mineralization over MTA.
- Ex vivo models showed well-preserved pulp tissue with both MTA and scaffold groups.
Conclusions:
- Non-viral gene therapy with pBMP-2/pFGF-2 nanoplexes improved DPSC proliferation, protein expression, and mineralization compared to MTA.
- This biological approach offers new strategies for managing engineered pulp tissues, particularly for DPSC transplantation.
