Matricellular Scaffold Modulators for Regeneration of Periodontal Tissues
Periodontal disease is one of the major reasons for tooth loss in the United States and may be associated with systemic effects, including heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Although tooth retention has greatly improved over the past few decades, a significant percentage of older Americans do not have functional dentitions and only 42.4% of the U.S. population aged 50 years and older have 21 or more natural teeth. The consequences of severe periodontitis are increased tooth motility and ultimately tooth loss. One approach towards fighting periodontal disease involves the replacement of lost periodontal tissues with new tissues matching the structure and function of oral tissues such as the gingiva, the root cementum and the alveolar bone. The 95% of Americans suffering from periodontal disease are now more than ever seeking alternative methods for treating their ailments while maintaining their natural teeth.
Description/Details
The UIC inventors have developed next-generation scaffords that mimic the periodontal microenvironment as a method for instructing periodontal progenitors and/or stem cells to induce periodontal regeneration. Using a unique mix of matricellular proteins and soluble fibers in a collagen matrix, the inventors have been able to induce cells into forming dense arboreal fiber networks with increased cross-linking and enhanced directionality. Cell migration, attachment, proliferation and matrix secrietion of odontogenic progenitors were also observed.
Applications
- Scaffolds for periodontal and joint tissue regeneration
- New biomaterials for tooth reattachment
- Research tool for study of matricellular proteins effects
Benefits
- Induce non-periodontal odontogenic progenitors into periodontal-like tissues
- Allows for implantation of regenerative periodontal building blocks to replace lost periodontal tissues