Effect of gelatinous spongy scaffold containing nano-hydroxyapatite on the induction of odontogenic activity of dental pulp stem cells

Tissue engineering methods may be applied for the repair or regeneration of damaged teeth by inducing cell proliferation and differentiation in endodontic regeneration. One of the main factors in tissue engineering is the scaffold used. An ideal scaffold should be able to facilitate predictable tissue development in endodontic regeneration. Thus, tissue engineering requires consideration for the composition and functionality of the scaffold suited for biological applications. The objective of this study was to assess the morphological, physico-chemical, and biological properties of a new gelatin (Gel)-nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA)-based scaffold to be applied in endodontic regeneration. The scaffold containing gelatin and nHA was prepared by a freeze-drying method. Conventional techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis were used to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of the fabricated Gel-nHA sponge scaffold. Biological examination for cell survival and differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) was evaluated by the MTT assay and ALP activity techniques, respectively. The produced Gel-nHA scaffold had spongy properties that all functional groups of gelatin and hydroxyapatite were present in the sponge. In biological studies, the viability of the cells grown on Gel-nHA scaffold had no different change from the control group on days 2nd, 4th, and 6th. Besides, after 14 days of cells cultured on Gel-nHA, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity showed a significant increment. In summary, the Gel-nHA scaffold revealed favorable effects on odontogenic activity, implying a potential future for application in endodontic regeneration.