A Novel Glycosaminoglycan Mimetic for Chemokine Hydrogel Functionalization
Objectives: Humans, unlike salamanders, lack the ability to regenerate infected tissues, with regenerative capacity decreasing post-birth alongside immune system development. However, tissue repair, regeneration, and immune system-guiding cells can be modulated. This study assesses the effects of the chemokine-binding and antimicrobial polymer, chlorite-oxidized oxyamylose (COAM), on chemokine delivery for dental pulp repair and regeneration. Methods: Chemokine (SDF-1/CXCL12) binding to COAM was analyzed using gel filtration chromatography. COAM's glycosaminoglycan mimetic properties were evaluated via surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Chemokine release from fibrin hydrogels was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The immunophenotype of dental pulp stromal cells (hDPSCs) encapsulated in 3D fibrin hydrogels was examined with flow cytometry analysis (FACS). CXCR4+ populations within hDPSCs were investigated using Western blot and FACS. The influence of encapsulation and the presence of COAM and SDF-1/CXCL12 on hDPSC proliferation was evaluated by FACS. An ex-vivo tooth model was employed to study dental pulp reactions to functionalized hydrogels. Results: Gel chromatography and SPR revealed that COAM forms a strong binding complex with SDF-1/CXCL12, exhibiting a higher affinity than heparin sulfate. The formation of this binding complex influenced SDF-1/CXCL12 release patterns from fibrin hydrogels. hDPSCs maintained their phenotype after 14 days of encapsulation, and COAM and SDF-1/CXCL12 presence did not impact encapsulated hDPSC proliferation patterns. Conclusions: COAM formed a binding complex with SDF-1/CXCL12, delaying release from fibrin hydrogels and demonstrating greater efficiency than heparin sulfate. COAM may be a promising strategy for hydrogel functionalization with chemokines for immunomodulated dental pulp regeneration.
2023 Continental European and Scandinavian Divisions Meetings (Rhodes, Greece) Rhodes, Greece
2023 0044 Pulp Biology and Regeneration
Ezeldeen, Mostafa
( KU Leuven
, Leuven
, Belgium
)
Van Meerbeek, Bart
( KU Leuven
, Leuven
, Belgium
)
Lambrichts, Ivo
( Hasselt University
, Hasselt
, Belgium
)
Jacobs, Reinhilde
( KU Leuven
, Leuven
, Belgium
)
Opdenakker, Ghislain
( KU Leuven
, Leuven
, Belgium
)