Columbia Technology Ventures

Precision-engineered biomaterial scaffold for periodontal ligament regeneration

This technology is a customizable scaffold that recapitulates the anatomy of the periodontal ligament and directs cell behavior through templating.

Unmet Need: Anatomically precise scaffold for periodontal ligament regeneration

Current methods of addressing periodontal ligament (PDL) regeneration have been successful in addressing partial periodontal treatment. However, they cannot be used for the regeneration of the complete periodontium. The PDL’s complex structure and strong attachment to the tooth and bone have presented a significant challenge in engineering a fully regenerative strategy for this tissue system.

The Technology: Controllable templating method for periodontal ligament regeneration

This technology is a templated biomaterial scaffold that can recapitulate the highly defined anatomy of the periodontal ligament (PDL). The templating method can guide cell behavior along perforations that facilitate cell ingrowth and matrix formation. Customization of perforation dimensions can also allow for resolutions nearing those of physiological PDL. Additionally, the integration of materials such as collagen and hydroxyapatite makes this scaffold highly effective for applications within the periodontium, promoting better compatibility with both soft and mineralized tissues.

Applications:

  • Periodontal disease treatment
  • Dental implant integration
  • Bone regeneration
  • Periodontal modeling
  • Cosmetic dentistry

Advantages:

  • Approximates the extracellular matrix of the periodontal ligament (PDL)
  • Promotes formation of PDL bundles nearing physiological size
  • Enables PDL bundle formation
  • Customizable perforation dimensions
  • Directs the organization of tissue and cell behavior
  • Integrates with the mineralized tissues surrounding the PDL
  • Maintains the collagenous environment within the periodontal pocket

Lead Inventor:

Helen Lu, Ph.D.

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference: