Peptide-Based Hydrogel Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

Periodontitis and peri-implantitis are plaque-induced inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues supporting teeth and dental implants, respectively. While disruption of the microbial biofilm and resolution of periodontal inflammation can be achieved by non-surgical therapy, residual irregularly shaped bone defects and reduced periodontium may often be expected. To date, various regenerative techniques using various materials as bone substitutes are being applied aiming to regenerate the lost tissues, however, predictable and sustainable regenerative therapy has yet to be found. Herein, we aim to develop innovative biodegradable, injectable, biomimetic hydrogel scaffolds for periodontal regeneration. The scaffolds are based on short peptides which have the ability to form extracellular mimicking nanofibrous hydrogels by the self-assembly process. These peptides are used in combination with various organic and inorganic materials to form biocompatible scaffolds with structural and mechanical properties similar to that of the native alveolar bone. Using different ratios of the building blocks, we developed hydrogels with controllable and tunable properties. The hydrogels structural and mechanical properties were assessed using electron microscopy analyses and rheological tests, respectively. In vitro studies were conducted to assess the hydrogels effect on MC3T3 preosteoblast cells viability and attachment ability. The combination of FmocFF and HA resulted in the formation of stable hydrogels with storages modulus of up to 14kPa. All hydrogels, except pure HA, show fibrous network morphology, which are the result of the self-assembly of FmocFF into fibrils. The more FmocFF in the hydrogel, the more fibrils are formed, and the hydrogel appears denser. All hydrogels were found biocompatible and enabled MC3T3 Pre-osteoblast cells adherence. We endeavor to develop novel biomimetic scaffold biomaterials that will pave the way to accomplish true periodontal regeneration that will enhance the longevity of both natural teeth and dental implants.