Pro-angiogenic potential of a functionalized hydrogel scaffold as a secretome delivery platform: An innovative strategy for cell homing-based dental pulp tissue engineering

Author(s)

Carvalho, Giovanna Lopes ; Sarra, Giovanna ; Schroter, Gabriella Torres ; Gomes Silva, Linda Sarah Reis ; Kubo Ariga, Suely Kunimi ; Goncalves, Flavia ; Caballero-Flores, Hector Valentin ; Moreira, Maria Stella

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE; v. 16, n. 5, p. 12-pg., 2022-03-04.

Abstract

Angiogenesis is a key process that provides a suitable environment for successful tissue engineering and is even more crucial in regenerative endodontic procedures, since the root canal anatomy limits the development of a vascular network supply. Thus, sustainable and accelerated vascularization of tissue-engineered dental pulp constructs remains a major challenge in cell homing approaches. This study aimed to functionalize a chitosan hydrogel scaffold (CS) as a platform loaded with secretomes of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) and evaluate its bioactive function and pro-angiogenic properties. Initially, the CS was loaded with SHED secretomes (CS-S), and the release kinetics of several trophic factors were assessed. Proliferation and chemotaxis assays were performed to analyze the effect of functionalized scaffold on stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) and the angiogenic potential was analyzed through the Matrigel tube formation assay with co-cultured of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and SCAPs. SHEDs and SCAPs expressed typical levels of mesenchymal stem cell surface markers. CS-S was able to release the trophic factors in a sustained manner, but each factor has its own release kinetics. The CS-S group showed a significantly higher proliferation rate, accelerated the chemotaxis, and higher capacity to form vascular-like structures. CS-S provided a sustained and controlled release of trophic factors, which, in turn, improved proliferation, chemotaxis and all angiogenesis parameters in the co-culture. Thus, the functionalization of chitosan scaffolds loaded with secretomes is a promising platform for cell homing-based tissue engineering. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 18/14694-8 - Development and characterization of decellularized extracellular matrix scaffold loaded with secretome of stem cells in bioengineering of dental pulp
• Grantee: Maria Stella Nunes Araujo Moreira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/19066-8 - Development and characterization of decellularized extracellular matrix scaffold loaded with secretome of stem cells in bioengineering of dental pulp
• Grantee: Linda Sarah Reis Gomes Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 18/01501-7 - Development of chitosan hydrogel scaffold loaded with secretomes of dental pulp stem cells
• Grantee: Giovanna Lopes Carvalho
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation