Bioactive molecule carrier systems in endodontics

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Bioactive molecule carrier systems (BACS) are biomaterial-based substrates that facilitate the delivery of active signaling molecules for different biologically based therapeutic applications, which include regenerative endodontic procedures. Tissue regeneration or organized repair in regenerative endodontic procedures is governed by the dynamic orchestration of interactions between stem/progenitor cells, bioactive molecules, and extracellular matrix. BACS aid in mimicking some of the complex physiological processes, overcoming some of the challenges faced in the clinical translation of regenerative endodontic procedures.

Areas covered

This narrative review addresses the role of BACS in stem/progenitor cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation with the application for dentin-pulp tissue engineering both in vitro and in vivo. BACS shield the bioactivity of the immobilized molecules against environmental factors, while its design allows the pre-programmed release of bioactive molecules in a spatial and temporal-controlled manner. The polymeric and non-polymeric materials used to synthesize micro and nanoscale-based BACS are reviewed.

Expert opinion

Comprehensive characterization of well-designed and customized BACS is necessary to be able to deliver multiple bioactive molecules in spatiotemporally controlled manner and to address the release kinetics required for potential in vivo application. This warrants further laboratory-based experiments and rigorous clinical investigations to enable their clinical translation for regenerative endodontic procedures.

KEYWORDS:

• Bioactive molecules
• controlled release
• delivery systems
• endodontics
• dentin-pulp regeneration

Article highlights

• Polymeric and non-polymeric BACS utilized to deliver bioactive molecules (mostly growth factors) in dentin-pulp tissue-engineering studies in vitro and in vivo.

• Characterization of release kinetics of bioactive molecules in various BACS for controlled release.

• Factors influencing the release kinetics of bioactive molecules and their significance in previously injured dentoalveolar tissues.

• Advantages of nanoscale multiple bioactive molecules releasing BACS that simulates natural expression patterns in living systems.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was funded by the University of Toronto [#11218] and the American Association of Endodontists Foundation [#496191].