Gelatin-hydroxyapatite nano-fibers as promising scaffolds for guided tissue regeneration (GTR): Preparation, assessment of the physicochemical properties and the effect on mesenchymal stem cells

Background. Periodontitis can lead to progressive destruction of periodontal tissues supporting the tooth. Developing biomaterials for tissue engineering has noticeably improved the existing treatment options. The present study investigated the gelatin-hydroxyapatite nano-fibers as promising scaffolds for guided tissue regeneration (GTR).

Methods. The scaffolds were prepared through electrospinning technique, and then the physicochemical properties and the cytotoxic effects on dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells were assessed.

Results. The nano-scaffolds were successfully prepared with a mono-dispersed nano-scale diameter (102±0.10 nm), negative surface charge (-20±0.17 mV), and uniform network-shaped morphology. The mesenchymal stem cells derived from the human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSC) with gelatin-hydroxyapatite nano-fibers showed that the prepared scaffolds had a significant proliferative effect. Besides, the applied method can be used to prepare fiber-based structures via other polymeric materials.

Conclusion. The incorporation of different materials to decrease the degradation rate of the fibers can match the speed of tissue regeneration. In this case, the prepared nano-fibers can be applied as a membrane biomaterial.