Culture of gingival fibroblasts on bioabsorbable regenerative materials invitro

Background: The use of membranes in guided tissue regeneration (GTR) can li mit the apical migration of gingival cells and favor the establishment of n ew attachment by periodontal ligament fibroblasts. However, gingival recess ion during healing following GTR has been described as a frequent complicat ion. The purpose of this study was to determine if gingival fibroblasts are affected by the composition of the bioabsorbable membranes used in mucogin gival surgery. Methods: Two type of bioabsorbable regenerative materials were used as cell carriers. Wistar rat gingival fibroblasts (RGF) were obtained from attache d gingiva, cut into small fragments, and placed in culture dishes. When con fluent, cells were detached using trypsin and identified as "first transfer red cells" (P1). At the third passage (P3), cell count, trypan blue exclusi on test, acid phosphatase activity, DNA synthesis, phase contrast microscop y, and scanning electron microscopy were performed. The cells were then pla ced in wells containing the membranes and incubated for 72 hours. Results: When examined under microscopy, the control wells (without membran es) showed one cell type with the elongated appearance characteristic of fi broblasts. The wells with membranes showed an altered cell morphology with a high proportion of cell fragments regardless of the type of membrane used . Conclusions: These results suggest that cell carrier membranes could affect RGF morphology and thus alter gingival tissue healing following GTR.