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An Innovative "Tooth-On-Chip" Microfluidic Device Emulating the Structure and Physiology of the Dental Pulp Tissue
Alessandro Cordiale1,2, Deborah Stanco1, Roberta Visone2
1Institute of Oral Biology, Centre of Dental Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, 8032, Switzerland.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|August 21, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel "tooth-on-chip" microfluidic device to mimic dental pulp tissue in vitro. This advanced model successfully replicates dental pulp structure and function, aiding the development of new therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Dental pulp tissue is crucial for tooth vitality, comprising diverse cells like stem cells, neurons, and vascular cells.
- Maintaining dental pulp homeostasis and regeneration is vital after injury or decay, yet effective in vitro models are lacking.
- Current limitations in dental pulp models hinder the development of advanced therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an innovative microfluidic device, termed
- tooth-on-chip
- to accurately emulate dental pulp tissue in vitro.
- To create a 3D model that recapitulates the complex cellular composition and physiological functions of native dental pulp.
- To establish a platform for studying dental pulp physiology and pathology and for testing novel regenerative therapies.
Main Methods:
- Co-culturing human dental pulp stem cells, odontoblast-like cells, endothelial cells, and trigeminal neurons within a microfluidic device.
- Designing the microfluidic system to incorporate distinct compartments for vascular and neuronal network formation.
- Integrating features to facilitate the creation of stem cell perivascular niches and an odontoblast/dentine interface.
Main Results:
- Successful emulation of dental pulp's structural organization and physiological functions in the microfluidic system.
- Generation of complex vascular and neuronal networks within the
- tooth-on-chip
- device.
- Formation of stem cell perivascular niches and an odontoblast/dentine interface, mimicking native tissue microenvironments.
Conclusions:
- The
- tooth-on-chip
- microfluidic device represents a significant advancement in in vitro dental pulp modeling.
- This platform accurately replicates dental pulp physiology, offering a valuable tool for research and therapeutic development.
- The study sets a benchmark for creating sophisticated future tooth simulation systems.
