Characterization of human alveolar osteoblasts in two- dimensional and three-dimensional cultures

Abstract

Reconstruction of alveolar bone is the major goal for the regeneration of periodontal defects including alveolar bone, periodontal ligament and gingiva. In two dimensional cultures, human alveolar osteoblasts (AOs) showed specific surface antigens expression pattern and a low expansion ability compared with periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) and gingival fibroblasts (GFs). AOs demonstrated adipogenic differentia potential and higher mineralization capability than PDLFs with distinct matrix proteins expression pattern. In three dimensional cultures, polycaprolactone-tricalcium phosphate (PCL-TCP) scaffolds were identified by improved hydrophilicity and physical properties over PCL scaffolds and AOs on PCL-TCP demonstrated different osteogenic pattern with those on PCL. AOs at the density of 0.2Million per 48mm3 PCL-TCP scaffold resulted in better cell proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis. Mineralized tissues and matrix proteins were mainly formed at the periphery of cell-scaffolds constructs. Furthermore, collagen modification on PCL-TCP scaffold resulted in higher initial cell seeding but no enhanced mineralized tissue formation.