The type and composition of alginate and hyaluronic-based hydrogels influence the viability of stem cells of the apical papilla

Lambricht, Laure [UCL] De Berdt, Pauline [UCL] Vanacker, Julie [UCL] Leprince, Julian [UCL] Diogenes, Anibal Goldansaz, Hadi [UCL] Bouzin, Caroline [UCL] Préat, Véronique [UCL] Dupont-Gillain, Christine C. [UCL] des Rieux, Anne [UCL]

Objective. The goal of the present work was to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the influence ofvarious types and compositions of natural hydrogels on the viability and metabolic activityof SCAPs. Methods. Two alginate, three hyaluronic-based (CorgelTM) hydrogel formulations and Matrigelwere characterized for their mechanical, surface and microstructure properties using rhe-ology, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Acharacterized SCAP cell line (RP89 cells) was encapsulated in the different experimentalhydrogel formulations. Cells were cultured in vitro, or implanted in cyclosporine treatedmice. In vitro cell viability was evaluated using a Live/Dead assay and in vitro cellularmetabolic activity was evaluated with a MTS assay. In vivo cell apoptosis was evaluatedby a TUNEL test and RP89 cells were identified by human mitochondria immunostaining.Results. Hydrogel composition influenced their mechanical and surface properties, and theirmicrostructure. In vitro cell viability was above 80% after 2 days but decreased significantlyafter 7 days (60–40%). Viability at day 7 was the highest in Matrigel (70%) and then in Corgel1.5 (60%). Metabolic activity increased over time in all the hydrogels, excepted in alginateSLM. SCAPs survived after 1 week in vivo with low apoptosis (<1%). The highest number ofRP89 cells was found in Corgel 5.5 (140 cells/mm2).