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Background: Scaffold (SCA) functionalization with aptamers (APT) provides adsorption of specific bioactive molecules on biomaterial surfaces. The aim of this study was to observe if SCA enriched with anti-fibronectin APT can favor coagulum (PhC) and osteoblasts (OSB) differentiation. Methods: 20 μg of APT was functionalized on SCA by simple adsorption. For PhC formation, SCAs were inserted into rat calvaria defects for 17 h. Following proper transportation (buffer solution PB), OSBs (UMR-106 lineage) were seeded over PhC + SCAs with and without APT. Cells and PhC morphology, PhC cell population, protein labeling and gene expression were observed in different time points. Results: The APT induced higher alkaline phosphatase and bone sialoprotein immunolabeling in OSB. Mesenchymal stem cells, leukocytes and lymphocytes cells were detected more in the APT group than when scaffolds were not functionalized. Additionally, an enriched and dense fibrin network and different cell types were observed, with more OSB and white blood cells in PhC formed on SCA with APT. The gene expression showed higher transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-b1) detection in SCA with APT. Conclusions: The SCA functionalization with fibronectin aptamers may alter key morphological and functional features of blood clot formation, and provides a selective expression of proteins related to osteo differentiation. Additionally, aptamers increase TGF-b1 gene expression, which is highly associated with improvements in regenerative therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this case report is to show an effective and minimally invasive way to treat dentition which suffered the effects of severe acid erosion. Case Report: The patient was a 51-year-old man who presented with complaints about the appearance of his teeth. The patient reported he had been suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease for 7 years and that he had not undergone any dental treatment except for 3 direct restorations performed 15 years before. Clinical and radiographical examinations showed a severely worn dentition presenting the typical pattern of acid erosion and a concrete loss in vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO). All teeth responded positively to the dental pulp vitality test, so it was decided to perform minimally invasive full-mouth restorations with lithium disilicate veneers to restore form and function of the dentition. First, the increase of VDO was determined. Then the Digital Smile Design (DSD) protocol was used to create a preview of the new shape and dimension of the teeth, produce a wax-up of the restored dentition, and two silicon indexes to create the mock-up. Subsequently, the mock-up on the worn teeth was printed and phonetic tests were performed. Since the patient was satisfied with the esthetics and function of the new dentition, we proceeded with our therapy plan. We performed a mock-up--driven preparation technique which resulted in minimally invasive preparations, and took VPS impressions for lithium disilicate veneers that were cemented in different appointments starting from the posterior areas, and carefully following the adhesive cementation protocol. Results: The rehabilitation successfully restored form and function of the dentition. At the 6-month recall, the patient was satisfied and the veneers were perfectly integrated with the surrounding soft tissues. Conclusion: In case of severe acid erosion, the presented protocol represents a viable, predictable, and minimally invasive therapeutic option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research in the field of biomaterials has largely focused on the development of methods to enhance their bioactivity. Adopted strategies include chemical-physical approaches, but mainly the use of monoclonal antibodies, which confer the system target specificity. However, antibodies are marred by numerous issues, such as low physical-chemical stability or the risk of inducing immunological responses in the host, which often make their use difficult. Aptamers - a new class of molecules discovered in the early nineties - are small oligonucleotides, or in some cases peptides, and have been proposed to rival antibodies in biomedicine, countering at least some of the antibody-related drawbacks. The aim of this review is to provide a background to nucleic acid aptamers and to explore their novel applications. In addition to providing brief overview of their therapeutics applications, here we have assessed the methods that employ aptamers to improve the bioactivity of biomaterials, in particular, those that enhance targeting properties of drug delivery systems for chemotherapy, and those ameliorating scaffold biocompatibility for tissue engineering approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The host-material interface is a crucial relationship dictating the possibility of successful osseointegration in implant dentistry. The aim of the present study was to characterize the effects of plasma proteins pre-adsorption on the adhesion capacity of osteoblasts, which occurs immediately after implant insertion in vivo. After having pre-adsorbed human plasma proteins on a machined and microrough titanium surface, MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts adhesion was evaluated through crystal violet cell adhesion assay, immunofluorescence staining for cytoskeleton, focal adhesions and cell nuclei, and scanning electron microscopy. The pre-adsorbed protein layer markedly affected the adhesion rate of cells, as well as their morphology and the expression of focal contacts. Moreover, protein adsorption to the underlying titanium surface was found to be correlated to surface pre-wetting. Thus, the early adsorption of serum proteins to the interface of dental implants impacts cell adhesion in terms of strength and of focal adhesions expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthodontic therapy applies forces to teeth, causing an inflammatory reaction in the periodontal ligament. This is repaired by remodeling of the periodontium, allowing tooth displacement. Although orthodontic therapy is mostly initiated during childhood and adolescence, the number of adults seeking this treatment is increasing as our society's esthetic awareness rises. However, adults may already have periodontal tissue abnormalities, rendering orthodontic treatment inefficient because a healthy periodontium is essential for success. Numerous risk factors have been linked to periodontal lesions, with orthodontic tooth movement possibly playing a minimal influence. Although such tissue damages are mostly of esthetic rather than functional concern for patients, restoration frequently requires invasive procedures. Autologous cells for the treatment of periodontal complications have grown in popularity as a less intrusive alternative. The present review analyzed the literature on the use of mesenchymal stem cells and oral tissue-derived fibroblasts for the healing of periodontal defects that may be related to orthodontic tooth movement. Furthermore, the advantages and challenges of the two cell types have been examined. Although the number of clinical studies is currently limited, our study demonstrates that oral fibroblasts have the potential to be the next emergent frontrunners for tissue engineering in the periodontium., (© 2024 The Author(s). Periodontology 2000 published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aims: To test whether titanium surface roughness disparity might be used to specifically guide the behavior of gingiva fibroblasts and keratinocytes, thereby improving the quality of soft tissue (ST) integration around abutments., Methods: Titanium discs resembling the roughness of enamel (M) or cementum (MA) were created with normal or increased hydrophilicity and used as substrates for human fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Adhesion and proliferation assays were performed to assess cell-type specific responses upon encountering the different surfaces. Additionally, immunofluorescence and qPCR analyses were performed to study more in depth the behavior of fibroblasts and keratinocytes on MA and M surfaces, respectively., Results: While enamel-like M surfaces supported adhesion, growth and a normal differentiation potential of keratinocytes, cementum-emulating MA surfaces specifically impaired the growth of keratinocytes. Vice versa, MA surfaces sustained regular adhesion and proliferation of fibroblasts. Yet, a more intimate adhesion between fibroblasts and titanium was achieved by an increased hydrophilicity of MA surfaces, which was associated with an increased expression of elastin., Conclusion: The optimal titanium implant abutment might be achieved by a bimodal roughness design, mimicking the roughness of enamel (M) and cementum with increased hydrophilicity (hMA), respectively. These surfaces can selectively elicit cell responses favoring proper ST barrier by impairing epithelial downgrowth and promoting firm adhesion of fibroblasts., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Periodontal Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)