Discussion
Expression of angiogenic molecules strengthened the performance of the modified BioR-Ps. During synthesis, 3D-biomaterial micrometric open-pores enable better bonding between cells and materials, increasing contact area and promoting cellular molecular signals in biomaterial-guided tissue engineering.
Methods
The expression of adhesion molecules such as: fibronectin, vimentin, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), integrin 1β, integrin α5, E-cadherin, and molecules involved in neovascularization processes such as: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-R) were evaluated in an in vitro model containing primary culture of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) through multiparametric analysis.
Results
The results indicated a markedly significant expression of all the abovementioned molecules in hPDLSCs cultured withBioR-Ps compared to hPDLSCs cultured with BioR-NPs. Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated a marked interaction between the cells and the substrate, particularly evident in the proximity of open pores in the hPDLSCs cultured on the BioR-P surface compared to hPDLSCs cultured on the BioR-NP surface. Thus, the presence of micrometric open pores on the scaffold stimulates the proliferation potential of cells apart from their adhesion ability on the patch, particularly near the pores.