Hybrid Biopolymeric Biomaterial Potential for Dental Tissue Regeneration

Objectives: To develop a novel and hybrid biocomposite dental biomaterial
Methods: The hybrid biocomposite was developed consisting of KP, SCP, Ch (8.6%, 0.15%, 2% w/v) respectively, were stabilised into a gel then incorporated into either Dental Filler (DF) and/or Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) forming a hybrid biopolymeric biomaterial. Visco-elastic properties (elastic modulus (G') and loss modulus (G")) of gels costing of KP, SCP and bioceramics were assessed using a rheometer. Biocompatability, proliferation and morphology were examined using the odontodoblast-like cell line (L929) and human Dental Pulp Stem (DPS) cells. The biomaterial was structurally characterized using rheology and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Immunostaing for Osteocalcin was performed.
Results: Viscoelastic behaviour of gel showed a gradual increase in G' with increasing KP/SCP concentration with the maximum recorded for 8.6% of KP, 0.15% of SCP and 2% of Ch. This could be shown due to the presence of α-keratins with higher disulphide bonds (cross-linked), yielded reconstituted and dimensionally stable gel at room temperature. Hence produced hybrid biocomposite gel showed best injectability performance compared to 2%, 5 % and 10% of KP, 1% of SCP (which we formulated and studied as well) through a 21 gauge needle.
In vitro studies of the hybrid biopolymeric biomaterial resulted in cell proliferation and low cytotoxicity. The presence of osteocalcein indicated that the biomaterial was cytocompatible and supported the proliferative growth of DPS cells resulting in mineralised dentine-like deposits.
Conclusions: The development of this tough hybrid biomaterial showed effective injectability performance through a 21 gauge needle, and enhances the osteogenic differentiation ability of the stem cells and may effectively promote cell proliferation and osseointegration showing promise as a potential dental biomaterial for pulp-tissue and/or pulp-dentin tissue regeneration in clinical applications.