Background: Scaffold (SCA) functionalization with aptamers (APT) provides adsorption of specific bioactive molecules on biomaterial surfaces. The aim of this study was to observe if SCA enriched with anti-fibronectin APT can favor coagulum (PhC) and osteoblasts (OSB) differentiation. Methods: 20 μg of APT was functionalized on SCA by simple adsorption. For PhC formation, SCAs were inserted into rat calvaria defects for 17 h. Following proper transportation (buffer solution PB), OSBs (UMR-106 lineage) were seeded over PhC + SCAs with and without APT. Cells and PhC morphology, PhC cell population, protein labeling and gene expression were observed in different time points. Results: The APT induced higher alkaline phosphatase and bone sialoprotein immunolabeling in OSB. Mesenchymal stem cells, leukocytes and lymphocytes cells were detected more in the APT group than when scaffolds were not functionalized. Additionally, an enriched and dense fibrin network and different cell types were observed, with more OSB and white blood cells in PhC formed on SCA with APT. The gene expression showed higher transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-b1) detection in SCA with APT. Conclusions: The SCA functionalization with fibronectin aptamers may alter key morphological and functional features of blood clot formation, and provides a selective expression of proteins related to osteo differentiation. Additionally, aptamers increase TGF-b1 gene expression, which is highly associated with improvements in regenerative therapies.

Background: Scaffold (SCA) functionalization with aptamers (APT) provides adsorption of specific bioactive molecules on biomaterials surface. The aim of this study was to observe if SCA enriched with anti-fibronectin APT can favor coagulum (PhC) and osteoblasts (OSB) differentiation. Methods: 20 ug of APT was functionalized on SCA by simple adsorption. For PhC formation, SCAs were inserted into rat calvaria defects for 17 hours. Following proper transportation (Buffer solution-PB), OSB (UMR-106 lineage) were seeded over PhC + SCAs with and without APT. Cells and PhC morphology, PhC cell population, protein labelling and gene expression were observed in different time points. Results: The APT induced higher ALP and BSP immunolabeling in OSB. CD90, CD45 and CD44 expression was more detected in APT group than when scaffolds were not functionalized. Additionally, an enriched and dense fibrin network and different cell types were observed, with more OSB and white blood cells in PhC formed on SCA with APT. The gene expression showed higher TGF-β1 detection in SCA with APT. Conclusions: The SCA functionalization with fibronectin aptamers provides a selective expression of proteins related to coagulation pattern and osteo differentiation. Additionally, aptamers increase TGF-β1 gene expression, which is highly associated with improvements in regenerative therapies.

Background: The use of ex vivo assays associated with biomaterials may allow the short-term visualization of a specific cell type response inserted in a local microenvironment. Blood is the first component to come into contact with biomaterials, providing blood clot formation, being substantial in new tissue formation. Thus, this research investigated the physiological blood clot (PhC) patterns formed in 3D scaffolds (SCAs), based on chitosan and 20% beta-tricalcium phosphate and its effect on osteogenesis. Initially, SCA were inserted for 16 h in rats calvaria defects, and, after that, osteoblasts cells (OSB; UMR-106 lineage) were seeded on the substrate formed. The groups tested were SCA + OSB and SCA + PhC + OSB. Cell viability was checked by MTT and mineralized matrix formation in OSB using alizarin red (ARS). The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) expression in OSB was investigated by indirect immunofluorescence (IF). The OSB and PhC morphology was verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The SCA + PhC + OSB group showed greater cell viability (p = 0.0169). After 10 days, there was more mineralized matrix deposition (p = 0.0365) and high ALP immunostaining (p = 0.0021) in the SCA + OSB group. In contrast, BSP was more expressed in OSB seeded on SCA with PhC (p = 0.0033). Conclusions: These findings show the feasibility of using PhC in ex vivo assays. Additionally, its inclusion in the experiments resulted in a change in OSB behavior when compared to in vitro assays. This “closer to nature” environment can completely change the scenario of a study.

A displasia ectodérmica (DE) é uma condição genética rara que afeta o desenvolvimento de estruturas originadas do ectoderma, incluindo pele, cabelo, unhas e dentes. Em pacientes com DE, é comum encontrar dentes em formato conóide, hipodontia ou anodontia, além de alterações na salivação e dificuldades sociais devido à aparência facial e dentária. O diagnóstico precoce é essencial para minimizar impactos funcionais e emocionais. Assim, o relato de caso desse artigo descreve a reabilitação de uma criança com DE realizada na clínica-escola da Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA). O paciente, J.M.S., um menino de quatro anos, apresentava timidez e queixas de "bullying" na escola por conta de seus dentes pontiagudos. No exame clínico, foram identificados cabelos finos, pele seca, nariz em sela e microdontia dos dentes decíduos, além da ausência congênita de um incisivo lateral. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pelo Serviço de Genética da UFPA, que identificou a forma hipohidrótica da DE. A reabilitação proposta envolveu técnicas de resina composta para devolver a funcionalidade e a estética dos dentes. O tratamento iniciou-se com adequação do meio bucal, controle do biofilme e escolha da cor da resina. A técnica com coroas de acetato foi aplicada em dentes superiores, enquanto a técnica de modelagem direta (mão livre) foi usada nos dentes inferiores. A resina composta foi polimerizada e ajustada para garantir a integridade oclusal e estética. Após o procedimento, o paciente relatou melhora significativa na autoestima e no convívio social, além de maior conforto ao mastigar alimentos. Como conclusão, esse caso reforça a importância da reabilitação precoce em crianças com DE para restaurar as funções fonética e mastigatória e promover bem-estar emocional. A abordagem multidisciplinar, envolvendo dentistas, ortodontistas e outros profissionais, é fundamental para garantir o acompanhamento contínuo e uma melhor qualidade de vida. O uso de técnicas conservadoras, como resinas compostas, demonstrou ser eficaz na recuperação estética e funcional de dentes decíduos afetados pela displasia ectodérmica.