Open AccessHydrogel Swelling-Mediated Strain Induces Cell Alignment at Dentin Interfaces
Author(s) -
David Fraser,
Tram Thi Ngoc Nguyen,
Alexander Kotelsky,
Whasil Lee,
Mark R. Buckley,
Danielle S. W. Benoit
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
acs biomaterials science and engineering
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.082
H-Index - 50
ISSN - 2373-9878
DOI - 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00566
Subject(s) - materials science , swelling , dentin , self healing hydrogels , periodontal fiber , tissue engineering , biomedical engineering , perpendicular , composite material , dentistry , polymer chemistry , geometry , mathematics , medicine
Cell and tissue alignment is a defining feature of periodontal tissues. Therefore, the development of scaffolds that can guide alignment of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) relative to tooth root (dentin) surfaces is highly relevant for periodontal tissue engineering. To control PDLC alignment adjacent to the dentin surface, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels were explored as a highly tunable matrix for encapsulating cells and directing their activity. Specifically, a composite system consisting of dentin blocks, PEG hydrogels, and PDLCs was created to control PDLC alignment through hydrogel swelling. PDLCs in composites with minimal hydrogel swelling showed random alignment adjacent to dentin blocks. In direct contrast, the presence of hydrogel swelling resulted in PDLC alignment perpendicular to the dentin surface, with the degree and extension of alignment increasing as a function of swelling. Replicating this phenomenon with different molds, block materials, and cells, together with predictive modeling, indicated that PDLC alignment was primarily a biomechanical response to swelling-mediated strain. Altogether, this study describes a novel method for inducing cell alignment adjacent to stiff surfaces through applied strain and provides a model for the study and engineering of periodontal and other aligned tissues.