Synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotube/polylactic acid scaffold for regeneration of dentin-pulp complex tissue

The regeneration of dentin-pulp complex tissue presents a formidable challenge in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative dentistry. This study endeavours to address this challenge by synthesizing a novel scaffold utilizing Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) to facilitate the regeneration of pulp-dentin complex tissue. The primary objectives of this research encompass the assessment of cytotoxicity and cell-scaffold interactions within the MWCNT/PLA scaffold, with the ultimate aim of evaluating its potential for pulp-dentin complex regeneration. To accomplish these objectives, Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth (SHED) cells and human osteoblast cells were meticulously isolated and cultured. Three distinct model scaffolds were meticulously prepared: a PLA scaffold serving as the control, a 1% MWCNT/PLA scaffold, and a 0.5% MWCNT/PLA scaffold. The interaction between both Human osteoblast cells (HOB) and SHED cells and with scaffolds was meticulously observed on the first, third, and seventh days of the experiment. Subsequently, fixation and DAPI staining techniques were employed to diligently evaluate the cell-scaffold interactions. The hypothesis suggested that incorporating MWCNT into PLA would effectively overcome limitations associated with acidic by-products, rapid degradation, and constrained cell interaction. Degradation tests and meticulous pH evaluations substantiated that the MWCNT/PLA scaffold exhibited significantly reduced degradation rates and effectively neutralized acidity when compared to the PLA scaffold. Furthermore, osteoblast and SHED cells demonstrated enhanced cell viability and markedly improved interaction with the MWCNT/PLA scaffold, confirming our hypothesis's validity across both concentrations. The results obtained from this study indicate that the MWCNT/PLA scaffold holds great potential for the regeneration of pulp-dentin complex tissue represents MWCNT/PLA scaffolds might be suitable for pulp-dentin complex regeneration, opening doors for future advancements in this field. Further investigations, including studies involving 3D scaffolds, and differentiation experiments are warranted to expand our understanding and prepare for future clinical investigations