β-Tricalcium Phosphate-Loaded Chitosan-Based Thermosensitive Hydrogel for Periodontal Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Periodontology

Background:

• Periodontitis treatment focuses on inflammation, with complete tissue regeneration remaining a challenge.
• Injectable biomaterials offer potential for advancing dental tissue regeneration therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate an injectable, thermosensitive beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) and chitosan-based hydrogel for cell delivery and periodontal tissue regeneration.
• To evaluate the characteristics and biological performance of β-TCP-loaded chitosan hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of chitosan hydrogels with varying β-TCP concentrations (0-6%).
• Characterization using rheology, SEM, XRD, FTIR, DSC, degradation, and biological assays.
• Assessment of cell viability and proliferation using Alamar Blue and Live/Dead staining with MC3T3-E1 and HGF cells.

Main Results:

• The hydrogels exhibited sol-gel transition at body temperature, with enhanced structural properties due to β-TCP.
• SEM confirmed 3D networks, rheology indicated strong gel properties, and XRD/FTIR validated β-TCP incorporation.
• Biological tests demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and cell support for pre-osteoblasts and gingival fibroblasts over 14 days.

Conclusions:

• The β-TCP-loaded thermosensitive chitosan hydrogels show significant promise as scaffolds for periodontal bone and soft tissue repair.
• This injectable biomaterial represents a potential advancement in regenerative therapies for periodontitis.