Preparation of polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol-concentrated growth factor composite scaffolds and the effects on the biological properties of human periodontal ligament stem cells

doi:10.7518/hxkq.2025.2025044

Abstract

Abstract:

Objective This study investigated the effects of a polycaprolactone (PCL)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) scaffold incorporated with concentrated growth factor (CGF) on the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). Methods The PCL-PEG-CGF composite scaffold was fabricated using an immersion and freeze-drying technique. Its microstructure, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility were systematically characterized. The hPDLSCs were isolated through enzymatic digestion, and the hPDLSCs were identified through flow cytometry. Third-passage hPDLSCs were seeded onto the composite scaffolds, and their adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were assessed using CCK-8 assays, 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, alizarin red staining, and Western blot analysis of osteogenesis-related proteins [Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), ALP, and morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2)]. Results Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the PCL-PEG-CGF composite scaffold exhibited a honeycomb-like structure with heterogeneous pore sizes. The composite scaffold exhibited excellent hydrophilicity, as evidenced by a contact angle (θ) approaching 0° within 6 s. Its elastic modulus was measured at (4.590 0±0.149 3) MPa, with comparable hydrophilicity, fracture tensile strength, and fracture elongation to PCL-PEG scaffold. The hPDLSCs exhibited significantly improved adhesion to the PCL-PEG-CGF composite scaffold compared with the PCL-PEG scaffold (P<0.01). Additionally, cell proliferation was markedly improved in all the experimental groups on days 3, 5, and 7 (P<0.01), and statistically significant differences were found between the PCL-PEG-CGF group and other groups (P<0.01). The PCL-PEG-CGF group showed significantly elevated ALP activity (P<0.05), increased mineralization nodule formation, and upregulated expression of osteogenic-related proteins (Runx2, BMP2 and ALP; P<0.05). Conclusion The PCL-PEG-CGF composite scaffold exhibited excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility, enhancing the adhesion and proliferation of hPDLSCs and promoting their osteogenic differentiation by upregulating osteogenic-related proteins.

Key words: concentrated growth factor, polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol-concentrated growth factor composi-te scaffold, polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol scaffold, human periodontal ligament stem cells, cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation

CLC Number:

R781.4

Gao Li, Zhao Mingyue, Yang Shun, Wang Runan, Cheng Jiajia, Chen Guangsheng. Preparation of polycaprolactone-polyethylene glycol-concentrated growth factor composite scaffolds and the effects on the biological properties of human periodontal ligament stem cells[J]. West China Journal of Stomatology, 2025, 43(6): 819-828.

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	PCL-PEG支架	PCL-PEG-CGF复合支架	P值
断裂拉伸强度	4.573 3±0.105 0	4.440 0±0.115 3	0.213
断裂延伸率	123.333 3±0.577 4	124.000 0±1.000 0	0.374
杨氏弹性模量	5.270 0±0.111 4	4.590 0±0.149 3	0.003*