ANALYSIS OF CELLULAR BEHAVIOR OF HUMAN DENTAL PULP STEM CELL SPHEROIDS EMBEDDED IN HYBRID HYDROGEL FOR BONE TISSUE ENGINEERING

• Grant number: 23/09300-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2023
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Katiúcia Batista da Silva Paiva
• Grantee: Felipe Nejm Oinegue Fulfaro
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

It is known that biomimetic grafts are essential for Tissue Engineering in the recovery of damaged tissues. In this regard, three-dimensional cell cultures, such as spheroids, have stood out for their greater regenerative potential compared to disaggregated cells. Among mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are attractive due to their characteristics of multi-differentiation and relatively easy accessibility compared to other MSCs. Our group has already conducted a comprehensive characterization of DPSC spheroids of various sizes, demonstrating distinct cellular behaviors. In addition to the cellular component, a biomimetic matrix is necessary for the construction of personalized bone grafts. An example is the tripolymeric combination of collagen/chitosan and hyaluronic acid, which shows great potential due to their individual and combined characteristics. Furthermore, aiming to increase the therapeutic capacity of the hydrogel and enhance its interaction with cells, carbonated nanometric hydroxyapatite (nanoCHA) will be added. Its bioactive properties, such as biocompatibility, osteoconduction, and cytocompatibility, have been shown to be improved compared to conventional hydroxyapatite. Thus, the study seeks to evaluate the influence of the hybrid hydrogel on the cellular behavior of 100 µm diameter DPSC spheroids as well as its effect on osteogenic differentiation.