Method of preparing an artificial tooth primordium in vitro and artificialtooth primordium derived therefrom

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method of preparing an artificial tooth primordium in vitro, comprising the steps: a) providing isolated mesenchymal dental pulp cells; and b) culturing the mesenchymal dental pulp cells under non-adherent conditions to form a cell aggregate representing an artificial tooth primordium; as well as to an artificial tooth primordium derived therefrom.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Dental care is the best way of maintaining healthy denture. However, even under optimal dental care impairment, destruction or loss of teeth can occur. Such impairment, destruction or loss of teeth may be e.g. disease-related, hormone-related, therapy-related or a consequence of an accident. Nowadays, in such a case dental implants are used which usually are formed of materials comprising metal (e.g. titan), ceramics and / or composites. These implant techniques are highly sophisticated and from a medical and cosmetic point of view achieve already high levels. However, these tooth replacement therapies require a significant surgical procedure and, eventually, laborious follow-up care. In addition, these synthetic implants do not meet all demands on a tooth like e.g. an “absorption” by the natural periodontal ligament which fixes the tooth within the jawbone.[0002]Thus, it is an aim in the field of regenerative medicine to provide means which allow the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an artificial tooth primordium and a method of producing it without the need for any artificial biological or non-biological scaffold or carrier. The method involves culturing isolated mesenchymal dental pulp cells under non-adherent conditions to form a cell aggregate that exhibits the markers and functions of a tooth primordium. The isolated dental pulp cells can be subjected to non-adherent culture for at least one passage prior to being subjected to non-adherent conditions. The method is efficient in inducing differentiation of dental tissue and can provide an artificial tooth primordium that is suitable for transplantation. The invention allows for the production of artificial tooth primordia that are derived from the cells of the person to be treated with the artificial tooth primordium, reducing the risk of rejection reactions. The method can also be used to screen substances that can influence tooth or tooth tissue development.

Problems solved by technology

However, even under optimal dental care impairment, destruction or loss of teeth can occur.

However, these tooth replacement therapies require a significant surgical procedure and, eventually, laborious follow-up care.

In addition, these synthetic implants do not meet all demands on a tooth like e.g. an “absorption” by the natural periodontal ligament which fixes the tooth within the jawbone.

However, in most of these approaches embryonic cells are used, the cells are cultured under non-physiological adherent culture conditions and require the presence of a synthetic scaffold or carrier.

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