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Replacement of bone loss or reconstruction of bone defect is still a clinical challenge. Synergoss® is a recently developed synthetic bone filler that exploits biomolecular surface engineering to deliver directly to the filler-implant interface the signaling properties of type I collagen. In this article, we compared Synergoss ® bone filler with the most used materials present on the market derived from animal source (Bio-Oss®, Gen-Os®) or synthetic source (BoneCeramic®). All tested bone fillers were analyzed by ATR-IR, providing information concerning the chemical composition and the main functional groups. Surface zeta potential analysis shows a positive surface charge for Synergoss®, confirming that the material exposes a collagen nanolayer to the surrounding environment, unlike typical synthetic and bone-based fillers. The chemical composition of the first few nanometers of the surface of tested bone fillers was evaluated by XPS, and Synergoss ® shows a significant amount of nitrogen (9.8 at%), which is not detected in any of the remaining materials. Morphological structure of Synergoss® (analyzed by SEM) shows a uniformly distributed micro- and macroporosity, which plays an essential role in influencing cell adhesion and blood vessel infiltration, nutrient transportation, and clot formation to stimulate the overall healing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The osseointegration of dental implants and their consequent long-term success is guaranteed by the presence, in the extraction site, of healthy and sufficient alveolar bone. Bone deficiencies may be the result of extraction traumas, periodontal disease and infection. In these cases, placement of titanium implants is contraindicated until a vertical bone augmentation is obtained. This goal is achieved using bone graft materials, which should simulate extracellular matrix (ECM), in order to promote osteoblast proliferation and fill the void, maintaining the space without collapsing until the new bone is formed. In this work, we design, develop and characterize a novel, moldable chitosan-pectin hydrogel reinforced by biphasic calcium phosphate particles with size in the range of 100–300 μm. The polysaccharide nature of the hydrogel mimics the ECM of natural bone, and the ceramic particles promote high osteoblast proliferation, assessed by Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis. Swelling properties allow significant adsorption of water solution (up to 200% of solution content) so that the bone defect space can be filled by the material in an in vivo scenario. The incorporation of ceramic particles makes the material stable at different pH and increases the compressive elastic modulus, toughness and ultimate tensile strength. Furthermore, cell studies with SAOS-2 human osteoblastic cell line show high cell proliferation and adhesion already after 72 h, and the presence of ceramic particles increases the expression of alkaline phosphatase activity after 1 week. These results suggest a great potential of the developed moldable biomaterials for the regeneration of the alveolar bone. Statement of Significance The positive fate of a surgical procedure involving the insertion of a titanium screw still depends on the quality and quantity of alveolar bone which is present in the extraction site. Available materials are basically hard scaffold materials with un-predictable behavior in different condition and difficult shaping properties. In this work we developed a novel pectin-chitosan hydrogel reinforced with ceramic particles. Polysaccharides simulate the extracellular matrix of natural bone and the extensive in vitro cells culture study allows to assess that the incorporation of the ceramic particles promote a pro-osteogenic response. Shape control, easy adaption of the extraction site, predictable behavior in different environment condition, swelling properties and an anti-inflammatory response are the significant characteristics of the developed biomaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontal diseases involve injuries to the supporting structures of the tooth and, if left untreated, can lead to the loss of the tooth. Regenerative periodontal therapies aim, ideally, at healing all the damaged periodontal tissues and represent a significant clinical and societal challenge for the current ageing population. This review provides a picture of the currently-used biomaterials for periodontal regeneration, including natural and synthetic polymers, bioceramics (e.g., calcium phosphates and bioactive glasses), and composites. Bioactive materials aim at promoting the regeneration of new healthy tissue. Polymers are often used as barrier materials in guided tissue regeneration strategies and are suitable both to exclude epithelial down-growth and to allow periodontal ligament and alveolar bone cells to repopulate the defect. The problems related to the barrier postoperative collapse can be solved by using a combination of polymeric membranes and grafting materials. Advantages and drawbacks associated with the incorporation of growth factors and nanomaterials in periodontal scaffolds are also discussed, along with the development of multifunctional and multilayer implants. Tissue-engineering strategies based on functionally-graded scaffolds are expected to play an ever-increasing role in the management of periodontal defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]