ABSTRACT
Bone defects resulting from trauma, illness or congenital abnormalities represent a significant challenge to global health. Conventional treatments such as autographs and allografts have limitations, leading to the exploration of bone tissue engineering (BTE) as an alternative approach. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of bone regeneration mechanisms with a focus on the role of chitosan-based biomaterials and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in BTE. In addition, the physiochemical and biological properties of chitosan, its potential for bone regeneration when combined with other materials and the mechanisms through which MSCs facilitate bone regeneration were investigated. In addition, different methods of scaffold development and the incorporation of MSCs into chitosan-based scaffolds were examined. Chitosan has remarkable biocompatibility, biodegradability and osteoconductivity, making it an attractive choice for BTE. Interactions between transcription factors such as Runx2 and Osterix and signaling pathways such as the BMP and Wnt pathways regulate the differentiation of MSCs and bone regeneration. Various forms of scaffolding, including porous and fibrous injections, have shown promise in BTE. The synergistic combination of chitosan and MSCs in BTE has significant potential for addressing bone defects and promoting bone regeneration, highlighting the promising future of clinical challenges posed by bone defects.
ABSTRACT
Chronic periodontitis is a ubiquitous inflammatory disease in dental healthcare that is challenging to treat due to its impact on bone and tooth loss. Conventional mechanical debridement has been challenging in eliminating complex subgingival biofilms. Hence, adjunctive approaches like low-level laser antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (A-PDT) utilising methylene blue (MB) have been emerging approaches in recent times. This review evaluates the latest research on the use of MB-mediated A-PDT to decrease microbial count and enhance clinical results in chronic periodontitis. Studies have shown the interaction between laser light and MB generates a phototoxic effect thereby, eliminating pathogenic bacteria within periodontal pockets. Moreover, numerous clinical trials have shown that A-PDT using MB can reduce probing depths, improve clinical attachment levels, and decrease bleeding during probing in comparison to traditional treatment approaches. Notably, A-PDT shows superior antibiotic resistance compared to conventional antibiotic treatments. In conclusion, the A-PDT using MB shows promise as an adjunctive treatment for chronic periodontitis. Additional research is required to standardize treatment protocols and assess long-term outcomes of A-PDT with MB in the treatment of periodontitis.
