Zebrafish caudal fin model to investigate the role of Cissus quadrangularis, bioceramics, and tendon extracellular matrix scaffolds in bone regeneration

Abstract

Introduction

Periodontal bone regeneration faces several challenges such as incomplete bone-ligament-cementum restoration, unpredictable clinical outcomes and membrane exposure risks. The zebra fish caudal fin model of regeneration could be an excellent model system for mimicking the periodontal regenerative criteria and the present study aimed to explore the potential of innovative composite scaffolds characterized by C. quadrangularis, carrageenan, and tendon ECM with silver hydroxyapatite and silver tricalcium phosphate for periodontal bone regeneration by using the zebrafishes as model organisms.

Materials and methods

Zebrafish were subjected to caudal fin amputation, followed by the application of different scaffold groups. The fabricated scaffolds were then crosslinked using glutaraldehyde vapours and stored in a desiccator for future use. The scaffolds were classified into five groups: negative control, PERIO COL- GTR (G1), Cissus quadrangularis extract, carrageenan, tendon extracellular matrix (TEM) (Group 2), Group 3 (contained silver hydroxyapatite + Group 2 components), Group 4 (Silver tricalcium phosphate + Group 2 components). Scaffolds characterization was done using FTIR and UV–Vis Spectroscopy. Regeneration was evaluated using microscopically and histologically.

Results

The physical characterization showed the scaffold interaction by spectral differentiation between the groups. Among the groups, Test group 4 demonstrated superior regeneration with enhanced collagen deposition, reduced inflammatory response, and significantly higher growth compared to control.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that group 4 scaffold significantly accelerates zebrafish fin regeneration, making these scaffolds promising candidates for periodontal tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.