A novel three‐dimensional scaffold for regenerative endodontics: materials and biological characterizations

An electrospun nanocomposite fibrous material holds promise as a scaffold, as well as a drug‐delivery device to aid in root maturogenesis and the regeneration of the pulp–dentine complex. A novel three‐dimensional (3D) nanocomposite scaffold composed of polydioxanone (PDS II®) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) was designed and fabricated by electrospinning. Morphology, structure, mechanical properties and cell compatibility studies were carried out to evaluate the effects of HNTs incorporation (0.5–10 wt% relative to PDS w/w). Overall, a 3D porous network was seen in the different fabricated electrospun scaffolds, regardless of the HNT content. The incorporation of HNTs at 10 wt% led to a significant (p < 0.0001) fibre diameter increase and a reduction in scaffold strength. Moreover, PDS–HNTs scaffolds supported the attachment and proliferation of human‐derived pulp fibroblast cells. Quantitative proliferation assay performed with human dental pulp‐derived cells as a function of nanotubes concentration indicated that the HNTs exhibit a high level of biocompatibility, rendering them good candidates for the potential encapsulation of distinct bioactive molecules. Collectively, the reported data support the conclusion that PDS–HNTs nanocomposite fibrous structures hold potential in the development of a bioactive scaffold for regenerative endodontics. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.