الفهرس 
INTRODUCTIONOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
The use of biological scaffolds in regenerative endodontics has gained much attention in recent years. The development of a new biomimetic scaffold that contains tissue-specific cell homing factors could lead to more predictable tissue regeneration.
Aim of the study: Preparation and characterization of decellularized bovine pulp-derived Extracellular Matrix hydrogel (P-ECM) and pulp-derived extracellular matrix hydrogel/ hyaluronic acid combination (P-ECM + HA) for regenerative endodontic procedures.
Materials and Methods: Freshly extracted bovine molar teeth were collected. Bovine dental pulp tissues were harvested, and stored at -40º C. For decellularization, a 5-day protocol was implemented incorporating trypsin/EDTA, deionized water and DNase treatment. Decellularization was evaluated by DNA quantification and histological examination to assess collagen and Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) content. This was followed by the preparation of a bovine pulp-derived extracellular matrix hydrogel (P-ECM) and combined with hyaluronic acid (P-ECM + HA). The fabricated scaffolds were then characterized using protein quantification, hydrogel topology and porosity, biodegradability, and growth factor content using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess angiogenic and osteogenic growth factors: TGF-β1(Transforming growth factor beta 1), bFGF (bovine basic fibroblast growth factor) and BMP2 (Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2).
Results: Decellularization was histologically confirmed, and DNA content was quantified and was below (50 ng/mg tissue). P-ECM hydrogels were successfully prepared to have a final concentration of 3.00 mg/ml. Total protein content was found to be (439.0 ±123.4 μg/μl) in the prepared hydrogel. P-ECM+HA showed sustained protein release while the P-ECM group showed gradual decreasing release. Degradation was higher in P-ECM+HA and it had a significantly larger fiber diameter, While P-ECM had a larger pore area percentage. ELISA confirmed the retention and release of growth factors where P-ECM hydrogel had higher BMP2 release, while P-ECM+HA had higher release of TGF-β1 and bFGF.
Conclusion: Both P-ECM and P-ECM+HA retained their bioactive properties demonstrating a potential role as functionalized scaffolds for regenerative endodontic procedures.
Keywords: Biomimetics, Biological Scaffolds, Cell Homing, Extracellular Matrix, Hydrogels, Regenerative Endodontics, Tissue Engineering