In vitro assessment of a collagen/alginate composite scaffold for regenerative endodontics

Aim To develop a biological scaffold that could be moulded to reproduce the geometry of a gutta‐percha point with precision and allow the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts to be used as a regenerative endodontic material. Methodology A collagen/alginate composite scaffold was cast into a sodium alginate mould to produce a gutta‐percha point‐like cone. Prior to gelation, the cone was seeded with human stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) to evaluate cell/scaffold interactions. The reconstructed tissue was characterized after 8 days in culture. Elastic modulus, tissue compaction and cell differentiation were assessed. Student t‐tests and the Mann–Whitney U test were performed. Results The fabrication method developed enabled the shape of a gutta‐percha point to be mimicked with great accuracy and reproducibility (P = 0.31). Stem cells seeded into this composite scaffold were able to spread, survive and proliferate (P