Geometrically modified bovine pericardium membrane promotes the expression of molecules targeted for a faster integration and vascularization process.

Introduction: In recent years, advancements in technology and the refinement of engineering techniques have facilitated the development of tissue engineering, placing particular emphasis on the use of 3D-biomaterials with several structural and chemical geometric features. In particular, increasing information on biomaterial geometric surfaces has allowed for a better understanding of tissue regenerative processes. In the present study a comparison between BioRipar^®, bovine pericardium membrane, modified with micrometric roundish regular open pores (BioR-Ps) and BioRipar^® without pores (BioR-NPs) has been investigated.

Methods: The expression of adhesion molecules such as: fibronectin, vimentin, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), integrin 1β, integrin α5, E-cadherin, and molecules involved in neovascularization processes such as: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-R) were evaluated in an in vitro model containing primary culture of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) through multiparametric analysis.

Results: The results indicated a markedly significant expression of all the abovementioned molecules in hPDLSCs cultured withBioR-Ps compared to hPDLSCs cultured with BioR-NPs. Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated a marked interaction between the cells and the substrate, particularly evident in the proximity of open pores in the hPDLSCs cultured on the BioR-P surface compared to hPDLSCs cultured on the BioR-NP surface. Thus, the presence of micrometric open pores on the scaffold stimulates the proliferation potential of cells apart from their adhesion ability on the patch, particularly near the pores.

Discussion: Expression of angiogenic molecules strengthened the performance of the modified BioR-Ps. During synthesis, 3D-biomaterial micrometric open-pores enable better bonding between cells and materials, increasing contact area and promoting cellular molecular signals in biomaterial-guided tissue engineering.