2015-08-012024-05-18https://scholars.lib.ntu.edu.tw/handle/123456789/704542Vital pulp therapy is to preserve the pulp vitality as well as to form the reparative dentin for maintaining the normal physical structures and functions of teeth. According to the preliminary results from our research team, specific processed biphasic calcium based composite cements could improve the drawbacks of calcium phosphate ceramics (CPC) and calcium sulfate ceramics (CSC) individually in clinical application. However, CPC or CSC will be encapsulated by the fibrous tissue once implanted and lead to the difficulties for pulp cells to react and enter the inner part of the materials. In such situation, the successful rate of vital pulp therapy will be decreased. The external matrix from the surrounding cells can be removed by adding collagenase, and allows the cells to move freely and induce them to return to the progenitor state. The Statins group has the ability to stimulate the mechanism of BMP-2 mRNA, and could further initiate the performance of Dspp （ Dentin Sialophosphoprotein）mRNA which is a crucial medium to form reparative dentin. Accordingly, this study will develop novel biphasic composite cements containing collagenase and Simvastatin for vital pulp therapy, which utilize the different degradation behaviors of CPC and CSC to form porous cellular scaffold. This project has been arranged for three years, and the specific aims are as follows: In the first year, in order to prepare the biomedical ceramics containing collagenase and Simvastatin, we aim to test the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of different ratios and compositions of biphasic composite cements. In the second year, we aim to carry out the in vitro experiments and small animal tests, which will sort out the best combinations of the materials, validate the excellent performance of biocompatibility and calcifying ability. In the last year, we will probe into the pulp-dentin regeneration mechanism through large animal experiments, and also verify the regenerate efficiency of the test materials. The goal of this project is to understand the mechanisms underlying pulp-dentin regeneration and test the efficacy in vivo of our materials for vital pulp therapy. The outcome of this study could also be applied to improve the biomaterials for tissue regeneration in the future.