Developing a 3D organotypical model to assess gum penetrating implant soft tissue outcomes and implant device development

White, Cleo Laura (2019). Developing a 3D organotypical model to assess gum penetrating implant soft tissue outcomes and implant device development. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

White2019PhD.pdf
Text - Accepted Version
Available under License All rights reserved.
Download (4MB) | Preview

Abstract

Dental implants are routinely used to replace missing teeth, to restore function or improve aesthetics. Research concentrating on implant-soft tissue interactions is a recent area of interest, owing to increased cases of soft tissue recession around the implants, which can lead to implant failure. Previous research initially investigating these interactions have utilised three-dimensional cell culture techniques to generate oral organotypic cultures. However, development of those cultures involve the use of animal-derived products such as foetal bovine serum. This project aimed to develop 3D oral organotypic cultures using animal-free products, to be utilised as research tools to analyse implant-soft tissue interactions.

Monolayer and two-dimensional cultures were initially used to select an appropriate commercially available animal-component-free medium. Three-dimensional oral organotypic cultures were then generated using human H400 keratinocyte and primary gingival fibroblast cultures on de-epidermalised dermis.

Histological and RT-PCR analysis of cytokeratins 1, 5, 10, and 13, Ki-67, e-cadherin, n-cadherin, vimentin and collagen VII, indicated that animal-component-free cultures were able to support 3D oral organotypic cultures with a stratified epithelium. These structures have the potential to be utilised to analyse implant-soft tissue interactions. Further work is required to optimise these models to ensure mimicking of the in vivo environment.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):