RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: This 2-part study hypothesized that a bioactive scaffold containing a sustained transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1-releasing nanoparticle system will promote migration and enhance differentiation of stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAP). The study aimed to develop and characterize a novel modified chitosan-based scaffold containing TGF-ß1-releasing chitosan nanoparticles (TGF-ß1-CSnp) to enhance migration and differentiation of SCAP. METHODS: Part I concerns the synthesis and characterization of a carboxymethyl chitosan-based scaffold and TGF-ß1-CSnp. Part II examines the effect of sustained TGF-ß1 release from scaffold containing TGF-ß1-CSnp on odontogenic differentiation of SCAP. RESULTS: The scaffold demonstrated properties conducive to cellular activities. The incorporation of TGF-ß1 in CSnp allowed sustained release of TGF-ß1, facilitating delivery of a critical concentration of TGF-ß1 at the opportune time. TGF-ß1 bioactivity was maintained for up to 4 weeks. SCAP showed greater viability, migration, and biomineralization in the presence of TGF-ß1-CSnp than in the presence of free TGF-ß1. SCAP cultured in TGF-ß1-CSnp + scaffold showed significantly higher dentin matrix protein-1 and dentin sialophosphoprotein signals compared with free TGF-ß1 + scaffold or CSnp + scaffold. CONCLUSIONS: These experiments highlighted the potential of a carboxymethyl chitosan-based scaffold with growth factor releasing nanoparticles to promote migration and differentiation of SCAP. The results of this study may have direct application to improve current endodontic regenerative protocols.
