title: Design and characterization of a biodegradable double-layer scaffold aimed at periodontal tissue-engineering applications.
abstract: The inefficacy of the currently used therapies in achieving the regeneration ad integrum of the periodontium stimulates the search for alternative approaches, such as tissue-engineering strategies. Therefore, the core objective of this study was to develop a biodegradable double-layer scaffold for periodontal tissue engineering. The design philosophy was based on a double-layered construct obtained from a blend of starch and poly-ε-caprolactone (30:70 wt%; SPCL). A SPCL fibre mesh functionalized with silanol groups to promote osteogenesis was combined with a SPCL solvent casting membrane aiming at acting as a barrier against the migration of gingival epithelium into the periodontal defect. Each layer of the double-layer scaffolds was characterized in terms of morphology, surface chemical composition, degradation behaviour and mechanical properties. Moreover, the behaviour of seeded/cultured canine adipose-derived stem cells (cASCs) was assessed. In general, the developed double-layered scaffolds demonstrated adequate degradation and mechanical behaviour for the target application. Furthermore, the biological assays revealed that both layers of the scaffold allow adhesion and proliferation of the seeded undifferentiated cASCs, and the incorporation of silanol groups into the fibre-mesh layer enhance the expression of a typical osteogenic marker. This study allowed an innovative construct to be developed, combining a three-dimensional (3D) scaffold with osteoconductive properties and with potential to assist periodontal regeneration, carrying new possible solutions to current clinical needs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
authors.affiliation: 3B's Research Group, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal.|ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.|Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.
authors.forename: João F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Requicha
authors.affiliation: 3B's Research Group, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal.|ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.|Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal.
authors.forename: Carlos A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Viegas
authors.affiliation: 3B's Research Group, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal.|ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
authors.forename: Shantesh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hede
authors.affiliation: 3B's Research Group, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal.|ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
authors.forename: Isabel B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Leonor
authors.affiliation: 3B's Research Group, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal.|ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
authors.forename: Rui L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.affiliation: 3B's Research Group, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal.|ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associated Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
authors.forename: Manuela E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Gomes
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D010012:Osteogenesis; D010519:Periodontium; D011091:Polyesters; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013526:Surgical Mesh; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D011091:Polyesters; C016240:polycaprolactone
keywords: biodegradable; guided tissue regeneration; osteoconductive groups; periodontium; scaffold; tissue engineering