Engineering Periodontal Ligament Synthesis Through Environmental Modulation of Stem Cells

Open Access
- Author:
- Runkle, Leeann
- Area of Honors:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Justin Lee Brown, Thesis Supervisor
Justin Lee Brown, Thesis Honors Advisor
Lauren Griggs, Faculty Reader
Mark D. Pacey, Faculty Reader - Keywords:
- periodontal ligament
nanofiber surface
regenerative engineering
extracellular matrix - Abstract:
- Periodontal diseases represent a significant public health concern worldwide, leading to tissue destruction and tooth loss if left untreated. Regenerative therapies aimed at restoring periodontal tissue integrity and function have garnered considerable interest in recent years. This thesis investigates the modulation of the microenvironment surrounding periodontal stem cells (PSCs) to enhance periodontal ligament (PDL) synthesis, with the overarching goal of advancing regenerative strategies for periodontal tissue repair. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and periodontal biology. PSCs are isolated from human gingival tissues and characterized for mesenchymal stem cell markers. Various environmental modulators, including mechanical stimulation, biochemical signals, and extracellular matrix (ECM) mimics, are utilized to manipulate the microenvironment surrounding PSCs. Results demonstrate that mechanical stimulation, such as cyclic tensile strain, enhances PDL-related gene and protein expression in PSCs. Additionally, treatment with growth factors such as bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) promotes ECM production and PDL synthesis. Furthermore, incorporation of ECM mimics, including collagen and fibronectin, into cell culture substrates enhances PDL cell adhesion, spreading, and ECM deposition. The multilineage differentiation capacity of PSCs is also explored, highlighting their potential for regenerating multiple components of the periodontium. Overall, the findings of this study contribute to our understanding of the complex interplay between stem cells and their microenvironment in regulating periodontal tissue homeostasis and regeneration. These insights pave the way for the development of innovative regenerative therapies for periodontal diseases, with the potential to improve oral health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for patients worldwide. Further research aimed at translating these findings into clinical applications is warranted to realize the full therapeutic potential of stem cell-based approaches in periodontal tissue regeneration.