Bioactivity of novel carboxymethyl chitosan scaffold incorporating MTA in a tooth model

P>Aim To characterise the bioactivity of a novel carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) scaffold with and without incorporating mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) in a tooth model. Methodology Cross-linked CMCS scaffold (CaC) and MTA-coated CaC (CaMT) scaffold were prepared by freeze-drying. The bioactivity of the scaffolds was tested in vitro in four different mineralisation solutions (bulk system) and ex vivo in simulated body fluid (SBF) in the tooth model. After mineralisation, the mineral deposits on the scaffolds were analysed using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. All data were statistically analysed using the two-sample t-test (P < 0.05). Results Hydroxyapatite (HAP) deposition was observed on CaC and CaMT scaffolds after 1 week of mineralisation in the tooth model and in the bulk system. The deposition was significantly higher (P < 0.05) on CaMT scaffold than that on CaC scaffold. The amount of HAP formed in the tooth model was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that in the bulk solution. Conclusions The CMCS scaffolds are bioactive and capable of biomineralisation by forming HAP within a tooth model ex vivo. The bioactivity of the CMCS scaffold can be enhanced by incorporating MTA.