Electrospun polymer biomaterials for periodontal regeneration in Type 1 Diabetes

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which places immense burdens on patient wellbeing and healthcare systems worldwide. There are many well-known secondary competitions of diabetes, one of the less commonly discussed relationships in terms of secondary complications is that between diabetes and periodontal disease. Common treatments for periodontal diseases often present high failure rates in diabetic patients.

Once destructive periodontal diseases manifest there are few intermediary treatment options before the requirement for implant placement. Here we aim to address this gap in patient treatment plans. Therefore, a biomaterial scaffold designed with properties to encourage the repair and regeneration of key supporting periodontal tissues, before complete destruction and tooth loss, is proposed.

In this work, an in vitro model diabetic system was set up to assess the effects of advanced glycation end products on key cellular responses for integration of tissues at biomaterial surfaces. Biomaterials were produced using an electrospinning technique to create poly (L-lactide-co-e-caprolactone) (PLCL) scaffolds. Scaffolds were modified in a number of ways to enhance the osseointegration potential, to promote angiogenic responses and to introduce antimicrobial properties.

The studies here show that the interaction of advanced glycation end products with cell surface receptors cause changes in the key responses required for biomaterial integration. Importantly for osseous integration it is seen that the expression of key mineralisation markers is significantly changed in the presence of advanced glycation end products. Modification of PLCL electrospun scaffolds using nanohydroxyapatite enhanced the responses of osteoblast like cells as shown via SBF studies, cell viability studies and expression of key mineralisation markers. There is good potential for modification of electrospun scaffolds using liposomal formulations to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative strains. Additionally co-axial electrospinning offers the potential for the sustained release of proangiogenic factors for up to 7 days in vitro, which retain the potential to promote vasculogenesis and angiogenesis as shown via immunocytochemistry.

Date of Award	May 2024
Original language	English
Sponsors	Department for the Economy
Supervisor	Patrick Dunlop (Supervisor), George Burke (Supervisor) & Amir Farokh Payam (Supervisor)