Cementum Engineering Using Three-dimensional PLGA Scaffolds
Periodontitis is a destructive disease that results in loss of bone, periodontal ligament and tooth root cementum. Regenerative therapies that restore cementum are limited in extent of response and predictability. Our group has developed cloned cementoblasts as a model to study cementogenesis for application in periodontal tissue engineering. Objective:The objective of our study was to evaluate the ability of cementoblasts to populate and mineralize 3-dimensional poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid; PLGA) scaffolds. Methods:For this investigation cementoblasts (1x106), were seeded onto PLGA scaffolds (size: 5x5x2 mm) containing interconnected pores (size: ~250-425 µ m in diameter) and cultured using bioreactors for up to 9 weeks. Another group of PLGA scaffolds seeded with cementoblasts was implanted subcutaneously in SCID mice for up to 9 weeks. At each designated time point, specimens were subjected to biochemical analysis, histological observation, RT-PCR, and Northern blotting procedures. Results:In vitro: analysis showed that cementoblasts attach to PLGA scaffolds within 24 hours of culture via either static or dynamic conditions. Furthermore, Ca assessment demonstrated steady increases in mineralization overtime. RT-PCR revealed osteocalcin, a marker of mineral formation was expressed in all of the specimens at all time points. Most of the cementoblasts were found condensed superficially at the periphery of the scaffolds in vitro while cell distribution was more evenly distributed in vivo. In vivo: implants harvested from SCID mice revealed mineral at 3, 6 and 9 weeks post-cell implantation, with corresponding increased osteocalcin message overtime, indicative of cementoblast differentiation in vivo. Histomorphometry demonstrated increases in mineralization from 3 to 9 weeks (~ 3 fold) in total mineral area (p<0.005). Conclusions:These results suggest that PLGA scaffolds are suitable for the study of cementoblast growth and differentiation, and can be utilized as a mode of cementoblast delivery for periodontal tissue engineering. (Supported by NIH/NIDCR DE 11960, DE 13397 & DE 13047)e-mail:jinqm@umich.edu
Division: IADR/AADR/CADR General Session
Meeting:2002 IADR/AADR/CADR General Session (San Diego, California) Location: San Diego, California
Year: 2002 Final Presentation ID:849 Abstract Category|Abstract Category(s):Periodontal Research - Therapy
Authors
Jin, Qiming
( University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
)
Zhao, M.
( University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
)
Webb, S.a.
( University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
)
Berry, J.e.
( University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
)
Mooney, D.j.
( University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
)
Somerman, M.j.
( University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
)
Giannobile, W.v.
( University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
)
SESSION INFORMATION
Poster Session
Tissue Engineering and Grafting
03/07/2002