Bioengineering the Junctional Epithelium in 3D Oral Mucosa Models

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Oral Biology

Background:

• Current 2D culture models and animal studies fail to fully replicate human periodontal tissue complexity.
• A functional soft-tissue seal around teeth and implants is vital for protecting deeper tissues from infection.
• Developing a sophisticated 3D oral mucosal model is essential for accurate disease modeling and treatment testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advancements in biofabricating 3D junctional epithelium models around tooth-like or implant inserts in vitro.
• To explore cell origins, extracellular components, and biomaterials used in 3D oral mucosa model development.
• To critically assess methods for evaluating soft-tissue attachment in existing 3D models.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on biofabrication techniques for 3D oral mucosa models.
• Analysis of cell sources and biomaterials employed in creating these models.
• Evaluation of qualitative and quantitative assessment methods for soft-tissue attachment.

Main Results:

• Existing 3D models successfully recapitulate soft-tissue attachment around implant abutments and hydroxyapatite discs.
• Various cell types and biomaterials have been utilized, with diverse approaches to extracellular matrix incorporation.
• Established methods for assessing soft-tissue attachment vary in their qualitative and quantitative rigor.

Conclusions:

• Biofabrication of 3D oral mucosa models has progressed, offering improved in vitro platforms for studying soft-tissue attachment.
• Further refinement is needed to integrate oral immunology and microbiology, particularly biofilm studies, for accurate disease simulation.
• Future sophisticated 3D models hold promise for advancing research into periodontal and peri-implant diseases.