Effects of a Bioactive Scaffold Containing a Sustained Transforming Growth Factor-β1–releasing Nanoparticle System on the Migration and Differentiation of Stem Cells from the Apical Papilla

• Demonstrates the potential of chitosan scaffold with TGF-β1–releasing nanoparticles on SCAP.
• The engineered scaffold/nanoparticle significantly enhanced SCAP migration and differentiation.
• The results of this study may have direct application to improve current endodontic regenerative protocols.

IntroductionThis 2-part study hypothesized that a bioactive scaffold containing a sustained transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1–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-β1–releasing chitosan nanoparticles (TGF-β1-CSnp) to enhance migration and differentiation of SCAP.MethodsPart I concerns the synthesis and characterization of a carboxymethyl chitosan–based scaffold and TGF-β1-CSnp. Part II examines the effect of sustained TGF-β1 release from scaffold containing TGF-β1-CSnp on odontogenic differentiation of SCAP.ResultsThe scaffold demonstrated properties conducive to cellular activities. The incorporation of TGF-β1 in CSnp allowed sustained release of TGF-β1, facilitating delivery of a critical concentration of TGF-β1 at the opportune time. TGF-β1 bioactivity was maintained for up to 4 weeks. SCAP showed greater viability, migration, and biomineralization in the presence of TGF-β1-CSnp than in the presence of free TGF-β1. SCAP cultured in TGF-β1-CSnp + scaffold showed significantly higher dentin matrix protein-1 and dentin sialophosphoprotein signals compared with free TGF-β1 + scaffold or CSnp + scaffold.ConclusionsThese 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.