Asim Waqar Sara Imtiaz Fatima A. Athar Faculty Advisors:-

› Dr. M. Amber Fareed› Dr. Nauman A. Noor

A critical review of tissue engineering and its impact on dentistry, presented as a scientific poster at the 1st IADSR International Dental Conference

Participation in the scientific poster competition

A review of 15 different studies conducted by eminent researchers in the field of tissue engineering

A brief introduction to tissue engineering, and the creation of a diagram illustrating its basic principles

A discussion of its therapeutic viability and an evaluation of its future prospects

Tissue Engineering: an interdisciplinary field that applies the knowledge of engineering, life sciences, cells culture, biomaterials and suitable biochemical factors toward the development of biological substitutes to regenerate or create damaged tissues and artificial organs and tissues[1]. Dental TE relies on the in-vitro recreation of the genetic odontogenic programme using stem cells approaches

Dental stem cells Dental stem cells (SCs): (SCs): undifferentiated

totipotent, pluripotent or multipotent cells of mesenchymal or epithelial origin.[4]

Growth Factors: Growth Factors: regulatory substances

that stimulate cell growth, proliferation and differentiation; examples

include bone morphogenic proteins. [5]

Scaffold:Scaffold: an artificial structure capable of

supporting 3-D tissue formation. [6]

Bioreactor:Bioreactor: any engineered device or

system that supports a biologically active

environment.

Current research efforts focus on the characterization and identification of dental stem cell population, development of scaffold materials and growth factor release technologies, and experimental design

Researchers have seeded cultured tooth germ cells on bio-degradable scaffolds which were then implanted to bioengineer tooth tissues [2].

Animal trials have been highly successful though human trials have met with limited success.

Ethical issues may arise concerning the source of cells (patient’s own vs. donated cells) and the type of cells (adult-donor vs. fetal cells). In addition, there is a real possibility that dental tissue engineering will be achievable to allow individuals to grow teeth in-situ.

TE principles are being applied to the regeneration of nearly all oral tissues, including periodontal tissues.

Scientists have been able to generate tooth structures from non-dental mesenchymal cells placed in contact with embryonic oral epithelium and transplanted to an ectopic site [3] .

Test-tube teeth may become the first completely engineered human organs.

It is expected that in a few decades rapid scientific and technological advancements will provide new solutions to allow tissue engineered tooth a routine practice for missing teeth.

Selected for a consolation prize out of 53 undergrad and postgrad teams from all over Pakistan.

Development as future dental professionals, and as scientists.

Insight into Research

Expansion of Knowledge Base

Skill Development› Presentation Skills› Communication

Skills› Research Skills› IT Skills

Team Work

[1]. Langer R, Vancanti JP. Tissue Engineering ; Science 1993;260:9920 [2]. Duailibi M, Duailibi S, et al. Bioengineered teeth from cultured rat

tooth bud cells. J Dent Res. 2004;83:523 [3]. Ohazama A, Modino SAC. Stem-cell-based tissue engineering of

murine teeth. J Dent Res. 2004;83:518–522 [4] Huang YH, Yang JC, at al. Dental Stem Cells & Tooth Banking for

Regenerative Medicine. J Exp Clin Med.2010;2:111 [5] Lin Y, Yelick PC, Dental Tissue Engineering. Therapeutic application-

tissue therapy. 2007 [6]. Liu C, Xia Z. Design & Development of Three Dimensional Scaffolds for

tissue engineering. Che Eng Res Desi. 2007;85(A7): 1051 [7]. Kaigler D, Mooney D. Tissue Engineering’s Impact on Dentistry. Critical

Review Oral Med Biology.2001;12:456