Biomaterials in tooth tissue engineering: a review

Abstract

Biomaterials play a crucial role in the field of tissue engineering. They are utilized for fabricating frameworks known as scaffolds, matrices or constructs which are interconnected porous structures that establish a cellular microenvironment required for optimal tissue regeneration. Several natural and synthetic biomaterials have been utilized for fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds. Amongst different biomaterials, polymers are the most extensively experimented and employed materials. They can be tailored to provide good interconnected porosity, large surface area, adequate mechanical strengths, varying surface characterization and different geometries required for tissue regeneration. A single type of material may however not meet all the requirements. Selection of two or more biomaterials, optimization of their physical, chemical and mechanical properties and advanced fabrication techniques are required to obtain scaffold designs intended for their final application. Current focus is aimed at designing biomaterials such that they will replicate the local extra cellular environment of the native organ and enable cell-cell and cell-scaffold interactions at micro level required for functional tissue regeneration. This article provides an insight into the different biomaterials available and the emerging use of nano engineering principles for the construction of bioactive scaffolds in tooth regeneration.

Keywords: Biomaterials; Nanotechnology; Polymers; Scaffold; Tooth regeneration.

[Table/Fig-1]:

Tissue engineering triad: Seeding stem cells onto growth factor laden scaffold matrix in presence of nutrition is used for tissue regeneration

[Table/Fig-2]:

Combining (a) stem cells, (b) growth factors and (c) scaffold matrix in a three dimensional tooth construct or injecting into the desired location for regenerating tooth/ individual components

[Table/Fig-3]:

Use of nanotechnology for fabrication of innovative scaffolds in dental tissue engineering. Scanning electron microscopy shows (A) Porous PLGA sponge fabricated using salt-leaching techniques. (B) PLGA microspheres of differential sizes encapsulating growth factors and having smooth spherical surface. (C) PLGA nanofibers fabricated using electrospining techniques. Phase contrast image shows (D) PLGA microspheres in chitosan-based gels for advanced controlled delivery and cell interaction. (Reprinted from Ref. [49] with permission from Elsevier Copyright 2007)

[Table/Fig-4]:

Fabrication of microfluidic devices, including (a) the standard soft-lithography-based fabrication process, (b) the design, analysis, and optimization of the device, (c) the creation of the master molds, (d) the fabrication of scaffolds from the masters, and (e) integration into a benchtop system (f) Demonstration of approaches developed for advanced organ mimetic microfluidic devices. (Reprinted from Ref. [53] with permission from Elsevier Copyright 2011)