Distinct differentiation properties of human dental pulp cells on collagen, gelatin, and chitosan scaffolds

Objective. The growth and differentiation properties of human dental pulp cells (HDPC) were investigated on a variety of natural scaffolds, including 2 types of collagen, gelatin, and chitosan. Study design. Cell attachment and growth rates of HDPC on collagen (type I and type III), gelatin, and chitosan were observed. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mRNA expression of differentiation-related genes, and mineralization of the HDPC on each scaffold were assessed. Results. Dental pulp cells attached and proliferated rapidly on collagen and gelatin, but chitosan did not properly support cell growth. The cells plated on gelatin exhibited high ALP activity, but not as high as cells plated on collagen. The expression peak of osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA from cells grown on collagen was found earlier and followed by dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1) mRNA expression. In cells grown on gelatin, however, OCN mRNA transcripts appeared at a later period of culture with no increase in DSPP or DMP-1 mRNA. Intensely mineralized extracellular matrix was seen in cells grown on collagen, but gelatin did not allow enough mineralization of cells in differentiation-inducing media. Conclusion. Collagen supported proliferation and differentiation of HDPC, and the expression of DSPP and DMP-1 mRNA was reduced on gelatin. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009;108:e94-e100)