Synthetic Morphogen Fields for Directed Differentiation of Dental Stem Cells

摘要

This project utilized biomaterial patterning (aligned nanofibers) strategy inspired by the neuronal (axonal extension) regeneration strategies (Arany and Mooney 2011; Pfister et al. 2011; Schmidt and Leach 2003). Combining these topological cues with exposure to controlled-release growth factors, a synthetic morphogen field was generated to examine induction of reparative (osteo) dentin. Current odontoblast differentiation strategies from dental stem cells have noted lineage commitment, matrix deposition and mineralization. However, fully functional, regenerated pulp-dentin complexes are still lacking. Our future goal will be to examine further functional differentiation of odontoblasts to promote polarization and tubular differentiation.