Biocompatibility of zein scaffold and its application in periodontal defect repair / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Zein has excel ent solubility, heat resistance and biodegradability, but its biocompatibility and effect on periodontal defects repair are under discussion. OBJECTIVE: To analyze biocompatibility of zein and its effect on periodontal defect repair. METHODS: Zein scaffold was prepared by solvent casting/particulate leaching. In vitro test: Human periodontal ligament cel s were co-cultured with zein scaffold for 18 days, and cel growth was observed by scanning electron microscope. In vivo test: Eight Beagle dogs were enrol ed to establish periodontal defect models, which were randomly assigned to receive zein scaffold implantation as experimental group, or interrupted suture as control group. Afterwards, the defect region was observed by scanning electron microscope at 3 months. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In vitro results: Human periodontal ligament cel s adhered wel and tightly on the scaffold with a fusiform, and could grow around pores. In vivo results: In the experimental group the scaffold dissolved completely, bone trabecular arranged regularly, and mature tissues appeared, to be integrated with the surrounding tissues; in the control group, the defect region almost healed, but there were irregular fibers and obvious lacunae. Moreover, compared with the control group, the height of new alveolar bone and bone defect, as wel as the length of junctional epithelium were significantly decreased, and new cementum was significantly increased in the experimental group (P < 0.05). To conclude, zein scaffold has good biocompatibility and can promote periodontal defect repair.