Abstract
Cell-based tissue reconstruction is an important field of regenerative medicine. Stem and progenitor cells derived from tooth-associated tissues have strong regeneration potential. However, their in vivo application requires the development of novel scaffolds that will provide a suitable three-dimensional (3D) environment allowing not only the survival of the cells but eliciting their proliferation and differentiation. Our aim was to study the viability and differentiation capacity of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) cultured on recently developed biocompatible and biodegradable poly(aspartamide) (PASP)-based hydrogels. Viability and behavior of PDLCs were investigated on PASP-based hydrogels possessing different chemical, physical and mechanical properties. Based on our previous results, the effect of thiol group density in the polymer matrix on cell viability, morphology and differentiation ability is in the focus of our article. The chemical composition and 3D structures of the hydrogels were determined by FT Raman spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Morphology of the cells was examined by phase contrast microscopy. To visualize cell growth and migration patterns through the hydrogels, two-photon microscopy were utilized. Cell viability analysis was performed according to a standardized protocol using WST-1 reagent. PDLCs were able to attach and grow on PASP-based hydrogels. An increase in gel stiffness enhanced adhesion and proliferation of the cells. However, the highest population of viable cells was observed on the PASP gels containing free thiol groups. The presence of thiol groups does not only enhance viability but also facilitates the osteogenic direction of the differentiating cells. These cell-gel structures seem to be highly promising for cell-based tissue reconstruction purposes in the field of regenerative medicine.
Highlights
Stem cells (SC) and stem cell-like progenitor cells have unequivocally great regenerative potential that presumably could revolutionize regenerative medicine
In the past few years, several studies attempting to create an ideal scaffold for tooth-derived stem cells were published [39, 40]
Notwithstanding, only a few research papers appeared in the literature on PASP-based hydrogels, most of them mainly focused on drug delivery [41,42,43,44]
Summary
Stem cells (SC) and stem cell-like progenitor cells have unequivocally great regenerative potential that presumably could revolutionize regenerative medicine These cells can be obtained from either embryonal or postnatal tissues. Tooth-derived stem and progenitor cells can be isolated from patients via a minimally invasive procedure Their proliferation and differentiation potential is comparable to bone marrow stem cells [4]. In previous studies of our research group, their capability for neurogenic differentiation [9] as well as their immunomodulatory effects were described [10] These advantageous features further support the importance of PDLderived cell cultures in future applications in regenerative medicine or dentistry. As different cell types favor different conditions for their growth and/or differentiation, the above-mentioned properties should be customized according to the requirements of each cell type[12]
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