Physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of calcium hydroxide-laden PCL/PEO fibrous membranes for mineralized tissues regeneration

• Grant number: 23/06814-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2023
• End date: April 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Materials
• Principal Investigator: Josimeri Hebling Costa
• Grantee: Luísa Heineck Leonel
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOAr). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Applications of tissue engineering concepts in Dentistry have allowed advances in developing smart materials for guided tissue regeneration. This can increase the success rate of treatments for mineralized tissue loss including dentin, cementum, and alveolar bone. The fabrication of fibrous membranes from a mixture of synthetic polymers with different physicochemical properties, such as polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) associated with the incorporation of calcium hydroxide (CH) for controlled release, can modulate its degree of hydrophilicity and biodegradability, favoring the formation of mineralized matrix by cells residing in adjacent tissues. Therefore, this research project aims to evaluate the physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of PCL/PEO fibrous membranes incorporated with CH for the regeneration of mineralized tissues. The membranes will be obtained through the electrospinning technique. As physicochemical properties, morphology, and composition (SEM/EDS and FTIR), wettability (contact angle), enzymatic degradation, calcium release, and pH monitoring of the medium (o-cresolphthalein) will be evaluated. Three distinct mechanical properties will be determined: tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break. As biological analyses, cell viability (alamarBlue), adhesion/spreading (F-actin), and mineralized matrix formation (Alizarin Red) will be evaluated with human dental pulp cells. The number of replicates (n) will vary according to data obtained on each experimental occasion and adjusted for each experimental protocol. Data distribution and homoscedasticity will be evaluated to guide the selection of the statistical methods. The statistical inferences will be made considering a level of significance of 5%.