Osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells influenced by synthesized calcium phosphate-based nanomaterial in vitro

Abstract

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are mesenchymal stem cells that may have a versatile and abundant application in regenerative medicine and dentistry due to their availability, possibility of isolation from different types of teeth and potential to differentiate into several cell types. In recent years, there is an emerging trend of the use of nanomaterials in medicine and dentistry that, by virtue of their unique properties, have become very attractive as a tool for the treatment of bone tissue defects. The aim of our study was to examine the potential of synthesized nanomaterial, intended for bone tissue engineering and regenerative applications, biphasic calcium phosphate coated with poly-D,L-lactide-co-glycolide (CP/PLGA), to influence the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Cells were obtained from the mature healthy teeth by outgrowth of the cells from undigested pulp pieces during culturing, in standard cell culture conditions. Cells were subjected to osteogenic differentiation for seven and 14 days by culturing the cells with two concentrations of CP/PLGA nanoparticles in the presence or absence of osteogenic supplements in the media. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by phase contrast microscopy as well as by Von Kossa and Alizarin Red S staining of formed inorganic deposits. The results showed that CP/PLGA influenced osteogenesis in concentration-dependent manner and differently in osteogenic and standard cell culture media. The use of calcium phosphate-based nanomaterials in combination with DPSCs, under certain conditions, could be a promising approach in regenerative medicine and dentistry.