Controlled release carriers of FGF-2 and TGF-β1 for a potential use in conservative dentistry and endodontics
The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of FGF 2 and TGF-β1 on the early steps of dentin regeneration using microencapsulation of theses factors into a microparticles matrix to ensure growth factors protection and to provide bioactive sustained release in contact with dental pulp cells and then the application of the obtained microparticles in direct pulp capping using a culture model of entire tooth. This work involves the optimization of technical means used to achieve encapsulation of TGFβ1, FGF-2 using the poly (lactic-glycolic acid) PLGA. Physicochemical and colloidal characterization of microspheres shows that the microparticles retain their physicochemical characteristics after drying and re-suspended in water. The double emulsion method was used to separately encapsulate (FGF-2) and (TGFβ1). Microparticles morphology, loading, shelf life, potential toxicity and release kinetics were studied. Then the proliferation of dental pulp cells was examined in contact with microparticles. Biological studies show no toxic effect of particles on pulp fibroblasts. Growth factors have kept their specific biological activity. A culture model of human entire tooth was used to achieve the application of microparticles as a dental direct capping material to confirm their biological activities ex vivo. These microparticles can be useful in studies of early steps of dentin regeneration, activation and migration of progenitor cells in dental pulp