Application of Collagen and Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Regenerative Dentistry

Collagen is an important macromolecule of Extracellular Matrix (ECM) in bones, teeth, and temporomandibular joints. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) interact with the components of the ECM such as collagen, proteoglycans, Glycosaminoglycans (GAGS), and several proteins on behalf of variable matrix elasticity and bioactive cues. Synthetic collagen-based biomaterials could be effective scaffolds for regenerative dentistry applications due to mimicking of host tissues' ECM. These biomaterials are biocompatible, biodegradable, readily available, and non-toxic to cells whose capability promotes cellular response and wound healing in the craniofacial region. Collagen could incorporate other biomolecules to induce mineralization in calcified tissues like bone and tooth. Moreover, the addition of these molecules or other polymers to collagen-based biomaterials could enhance mechanical properties, which is important in load-hearing areas such as the mandible. A literature review was performed via a reliable internet database (mainly PubMed) based on MeSH keywords. This review first describes the properties of collagen as a key protein in the structure of hard tissues. Then, it introduces different types of collagens, the correlation between collagen and MSCs, and the methods used to modify collagen in regenerative dentistry, including recent progression on the regeneration of periodontium, dentin-pulp complex, mid temporomandibular joint by applying collagen. The prospects and challenges of collagen-based biomaterials in the craniofacial region are pointd out.

Automated summary

Collagen plays a crucial role in bones, teeth, and temporomandibular joints. Synthetic collagen-based biomaterials mimic the ECM of host tissues, making them effective scaffolds in regenerative dentistry applications. Adding other biomolecules or polymers can enhance the mechanical properties of these biomaterials.