In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate)/Carbon Nanotubes Electrospun Scaffolds for Periodontal Ligament Tissue Engineering

Statement of the Problem: Tissue engineering was an idea, today it has becomes a potential therapy for several tissues in dentistry such as periodontal disease and oral mucosa. Purpose: In this experimental study, periodontal regeneration is one of the earliest clinical disciplines that has achieved therapeutic application in tissue engineering. The aim of the present study was to prepare electrospun Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)/1% Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) scaffolds for periodontal regeneration. Materials and Method: 1% w/v of CNTs was added to the polymer solutions and electrospinned. Physical properties of the scaffolds were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and universal testing machine. Chemical characterization of the scaffolds was also assessed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Biological properties of the scaffolds were also evaluated in vitro by culturing periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) on the scaffolds for 10 days and in vivo by Implanting the scaffolds in a rat model for 5 weeks. Results: Results showed that the scaffolds mimicked fibrous connective tissue of the (PDL). CNTs improved the mechanical properties, similar to 23-55 years old human PDL. In vitro biocompatibility study showed more attachment and proliferation of the PDLSCs for PHB/1%CNTs scaffolds compared to the PHB controls. In vivo study showed that CNTs in the scaffolds caused mild foreign body type giant cell reaction, moderate vascularization, and mild inflammation. Conclusion: The results showed that the PHB/1%CNTs composite scaffolds might be potentially useful in periodontal regeneration.