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.