Date of Award
Spring 2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Tayebi, Lobat
Second Advisor
Hashimoto, Lance
Third Advisor
Ibrahim, Mohamed
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to synthesize an optimized chitosan/carbon dot hydrogel and measure its effects on the proliferation of dental pulp stem cells. Methods: 1.5% w/v chitosan hydrogel samples were fabricated with 300 mg/ml aqueous β-glycerol phosphate (β-GP) to create an optimized chitosan with a gelation onset temperature below 37°C. Spermidine-functionalized carbon dots (CDs) were added to test groups in concentrations of 25 µg/ml and 50 µg/ml. Complex shear viscosity of the prepared hydrogel samples was evaluated with a Kinexus pro+ shear rheometer (Malvern Panalytical). Samples were evaluated for cellular proliferation with dental pulp stem cells at days 1, 2, 5, and 14 using PrestoBlue and a Synergy HTX microplate reader (BioTek). Proliferation results were compared to a separate test groups with calcium hydroxide under the same test parameters.Results: The optimized chitosan hydrogel samples had a gelation onset temperature of 34.6°C, which was not appreciably increased with the addition of CDs (34.7°C). All experimental chitosan hydrogels demonstrated superior cellular proliferation when compared to calcium hydroxide paste. Conclusions: Chitosan/CD hydrogels may be a promising medicament for endodontic use and a viable alternative to either Ca(OH)2 or TAP in regenerative endodontic cases. The CD structure contains surface characteristics that are open to customization for individual therapeutic needs. This hydrogel is thermally responsive and becomes a solid gel when administered at human body temperature. Further studies are warranted to determine its antibacterial properties, as well as other factors to understand how it may interact in the root canal space.