Evaluation of the effect of 3D-bioprinted gingival fibroblast-encapsulated ADM scaffolds on keratinized gingival augmentation

Peng Liu; Qing Li; Qiaolin Yang; Shihan Zhang; Ke Yi; Guifeng Zhang; Zhihui Tang

doi:10.1111/jre.13126

Evaluation of the effect of 3D-bioprinted gingival fibroblast-encapsulated ADM scaffolds on keratinized gingival augmentation

J Periodontal Res. 2023 Jun;58(3):564-574. doi: 10.1111/jre.13126. Epub 2023 Apr 12.

Authors

Peng Liu^{1

2

3}, Qing Li^{1

2

3}, Qiaolin Yang^{3

4}, Shihan Zhang⁵, Ke Yi¹, Guifeng Zhang⁶, Zhihui Tang¹

Affiliations

¹ Second Clinical Division, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100101, P. R. China.
² Center of Digital Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China.
³ National Center of Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases and National Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Digital Medical Devices, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China.
⁴ Department of Orthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China.
⁵ Department of Geriatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China.
⁶ State Key Laboratories of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China.

PMID: 37042165
DOI: 10.1111/jre.13126

Abstract

Background and objectives: The keratinized gingiva plays an important role in maintaining healthy periodontal and peri-implant tissue. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM), as a substitute biomaterial, has a porous structure and good biocompatibility. 3D-bioprinting has the potential for tissue engineering because it enables precise loading of cells layer-by-layer. Herein, we bioprinted ADM scaffold encapsulating gingival fibroblasts (GFs) and evaluated its efficacy in keratinized gingiva augmentation in vivo to assess its potential for clinical periodontal tissue regeneration.

Methods: GFs were extracted from the gingiva of beagles and transfected with a green fluorescent protein (GFP). The ADM scaffold (ADM cell-free group) was constructed using ADM, gelatin, and sodium alginate mixed at an appropriate ratio via 3D-bioprinting. The ADM cell scaffold (ADM cell group) was established by adding extra GFs in the same manner. Six beagles were divided into blank control, ADM cell-free, and ADM cell groups; and implant surgery was performed. The keratinized gingiva was clinically and histologically evaluated at baseline and after 2 months.

Results: GFs transfected with GFPs expressed green fluorescence and were present in new tissue in the ADM cell group and not observed in the ADM cell-free group. At 2 months after surgery, the keratinized gingival augmentation in the ADM cell group was significantly more than that in the ADM cell-free group. Attached gingival augmentation was also observed more in the ADM cell group than that in the ADM cell-free group. Histological staining showed that the tissue in the ADM cell group displayed a more integrated structure and higher expression of COL I, COL III, and VEGF-A than those in the ADM cell-free group.

Conclusion: 3D-bioprinted GF-encapsulated ADM scaffolds increased the amount of keratinized gingiva in vivo, suggesting that 3D-bioprinting has great potential for oral soft tissue regeneration.

Keywords: 3D-bioprinting; acellular dermal matrix; gingival fibroblasts; keratinized gingiva augmentation.

MeSH terms

Acellular Dermis*
Animals
Biocompatible Materials / pharmacology
Dogs
Fibroblasts
Gingiva
Gingival Recession* / surgery
Gingivoplasty

Substances

Biocompatible Materials

Abstract

MeSH terms

Substances

Grants and funding