Electrospun PCL nanofibers incorporated with natural and synthetic calcium hydroxyapatite particles for tooth regeneration
Abstract
With an expenditure of 111 billion dollars a year, the field of dentistry needs a new
methodology for repairing patients’ teeth. The current techniques and procedures to repair teeth
could be considered temporary or expensive procedures. The need has risen to develop a new
procedure that can regenerate human teeth and repair the damaged area. This investigation
explores the possibility of creating a new methodology to regenerate a patient’s damaged and
decaying teeth. This research investigates infusing calcium-hydroxyapatite (C-HAp) and
gentamicin into electrospun nanofibers, thus creating a non-woven nanofibrous tissue, which is
then amalgamated with a 50/50 solution of polycaprolactone (PCL). The nanofibrous tissues were
prepared and characterized by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Roman spectroscopy for porosity, cell adhesion capability, and
chemical composition. Biocompatibility and anti-bacterial tests were done to check the viability
of the material to be used to help propagate the regeneration of damaged dentin material in human
teeth. It was seen that the sample tissues had properties to help kill Streptococcus mutans, which
is the leading bacteria that causes tooth decay. The mechanotransduction of bone modeling shows
that the ability of the body to regenerate bone mass and density could be possible under the correct
environment. The new methodology will address environmental concerns of the human anatomy
and help the natural healing cycle of the damaged areas of the tooth. The samples were tested for
cytotoxicity by means of cell culturing and MTT assay. The tissue characteristics show an
extensive nanofiber structure infused with C-HAp, antibiotics and PCL for regeneration of the
tooth dentin. This research investigation has great potential for a new methodology in the dental
field to help the populace maintain a better way of life at a cheaper cost, over time.
Description
Thesis (M.S.)--Wichita State University, College of Engineering, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering