Effect of substrate on the response of 3-dimensional periodontal ligament tissue to compressive stimulation.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of substrates under the three-dimensional periodontal ligament (3D PDL) tissue on its biological functions after compressive stimulation.

Methods: A 3D PDL tissue was created using a poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) porous scaffold impregnated with human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs). It was then placed on a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) substrate, which has a comparable elastic modulus to bone and was compressed (25 g/cm²) for 1, 3, and 7 days. The morphology and biological functions of the hPDLFs in the 3D PDL tissue on the PEEK substrate were evaluated and compared with those on the polystyrene (PS) substrate.

Results: Compressive forces for the PLLA porous scaffold on the PEEK substrate were higher than those on the PS substrate. hPDLFs were present throughout the PLLA porous scaffold and there was no morphological change upon compressive stimulation. Increased expression of osteoclastogenic genes was observed after 3 days of compressive stimulation, while the level of these genes was increased by changing the substrate under the PDL tissue from PS to PEEK.

Conclusion: The substrate placed under the PDL tissue during compressive stimulation affects the biological functions of hPDLFs.