Abstract
Calcium hydrogen phosphate with a hydroxyapatite-like surface (CHP-HA) is a novel synthesized compound designed to overcome the limitations of bioactive ceramics. It was originally applied as nano-sized HA strips covering core plates to enhance the degree of interfacial attachment. The objective of the present study was to examine the cellular attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) on a CHP-HA substrate in comparison with conventional nanohydroxyapatite (NanoHA). The PDLSCs were cultivated with either CHP-HA or NanoHA for cellular attachment, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation assay. Osteogenic differentiation was examined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence after confirmation by Alizarin red staining. We found that between 14 and 21 days, CHP-HA exhibited a well-organized matrix distribution, a high degree of cell proliferation, and a high level of Alizarin red staining in comparison to NanoHA. Expression of all the osteogenic markers examined was increased significantly relative to NanoHA at 14 days, but no significant differences in some osteogenic genes were found at 21 days. Immunofluorescence revealed stronger staining in the CHP-HA group. In conclusion, PDLSCs cultivated with this novel CHP-HA show enhanced cellular responses. We propose that CHP-HA may be a promising alternative biomaterial for periodontal tissue engineering.
