Characterization of biomodified dentin matrices for potential preventive and reparative therapies

Biomodification of existing hard tissue structures, specifically tooth dentin, is an innovative approach proposed to improve the biomechanical and biochemical properties of tissue for potential preventive or reparative/regenerative therapies. The objectives of the study were to systematically characterize dentin matrices biomodified by proanthocyanidin-rich grape seed extract (GSE) and glutaraldehyde (GD). Changes to the biochemistry and biomechanical properties were assessed by several assays to investigate the degree of interactions, biodegradation rates, proteoglycans interaction, and effect of collagen fibril orientation and environmental conditions on the tensile properties. The highest degree of agent-dentin interaction was observed with GSE which exhibited the highest denaturation temperature, regardless of the agent concentration. Biodegradation rates remarkably decreased following biomodification of dentin matrices after 24hs collagenase digestion. A significant decreased in the proteoglycans content of GSE treated samples was observed using a micro-assay for glycosaminoglycans and histological electron microscopy, while no changes were observed for GD and control. Tensile strength properties of GD biomodified dentin matrices were affected by dentin tubule orientation, most likely due to the orientation of the collagen fibrils. Higher and/or increased stability of the tensile properties of GD and GSE-treated samples were observed following exposure to collagenase and 8 month water storage. Biomodification of dentin matrices using chemical agents not only affects the collagen biochemistry; it also involves interaction with proteoglycans. Tissue biomodifiers interact differently with dentin matrices and may provide the tissue with enhanced preventive and restorative/reparative abilities.