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Microfabrication-based engineering of biomimetic dentin-like constructs to simulate dental aging
Simon Álvarez1,2,3, Jose Morales1,2, Paola Tiozzo-Lyon1,2
1Dentistry School, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. sebastian.aguayo@uc.cl.
Lab on a Chip
|January 31, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a novel biomimetic dentin model using microfabrication to study oral biofilm formation. This advanced in vitro model mimics natural dentin's microarchitecture, aiding research into dental caries and biomaterial bonding.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Dental Research
- Microfabrication
Background:
- Human dentin's microarchitecture supports microbial adhesion and oral biofilm formation, crucial in dental caries.
- Existing in vitro dentin models lack micro- and nanoscale surface architecture simulation.
- Root caries in the elderly highlights the need for better in vitro models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel in vitro microfabricated biomimetic dentin surface.
- To simulate the complex micro- and nanoscale surface architecture of exposed dentin.
- To create a platform for studying oral microbial adhesion and biofilm formation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized soft lithography microfabrication and biomaterial science.
- Constructed micropitted polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates functionalized with mineralized type-I collagen.
- Simulated dentin matrix aging using methylglyoxal (MGO) and analyzed with AFM, elemental analysis, and electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Biomimetic constructs exhibited biologically relevant nanomechanical properties via AFM force-mapping.
- Mineralization was primarily composed of hydroxyapatite.
- Dual-species biofilms of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans showed specific morphologies on the model.
Conclusions:
- The novel biomimetic dentin model accurately simulates dentin's microarchitecture.
- The model is suitable for controlled in vitro studies of early oral biofilm formation.
- This platform can advance research in oral biofilm formation and dentin-biomaterial bonding without human or animal samples.
