Development of an Organic–Inorganic Nanostructured Hybrid Dental Biocomposite

Abstract

Dental pathologies such as caries is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Dental pulp contains stem cells capable of regenerating the dentine in the tooth, consequently, healthy dental pulp is essential for long term tooth survival. The aim of this study was to incorporate a variety of polymers that provide strength, an antibacterial substance and a protein-based polymer to provide cell support. These components were combined into a triphasic hybrid dental biocomposite (3HB), that together could provide regenerative properties for the pulp tissue. The 3HB biocomposite was incorporated into Organic–inorganic nanostructured materials such as Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) as a base to assemble a hybrid dental biocomposite. The effects of the 3HB on cytotoxicity was examined in mouse dental pulp cells, MDPC-23. In vitro studies showed that 3HB supported the proliferative growth of the cells significantly more than the no treatment control. 3HB also caused little stress to the cells and supported cell viability. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the presence of polymer functional groups within the 3HB biocomposite. Therefore, 3HB compound has the potential to be applied as a pulp wound dressing providing superior cytocompatibility than the present options but also may be indispensable for the regeneration of dental pulp.