The Effect of Simvastatin Scaffolds on human Periodontal Ligament Cells as a Potential Endodontic Regenerative Technique

Abstract

Regenerative endodontic procedures have received considerable critical attention in the field of restorative and paediatric dentistry. Vital pulp is the best filling material a tooth can have, thus, maintaining pulp vitality is crucial in this respect. This is a preliminary study is to investigate the dose and timely release of 2% simvastatin from PLGA scaffolds as well as assess viability of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDL). The release of simvastatin in DMEM was much higher than PBS in the first 24 hours. Due to limitations in accessing the lab during Covid-19 Pandemic, spectrophotometer readings have only been obtained for a 96-hour incubation period on the Simvastatin PLGA scaffolds. HPDL showed viability after 96-hour incubation in 2% simvastatin PLGA scaffolds. the conclusion was that our newly fabricated 2% simvastatin PLGA scaffolds showed biocompatibility. Within the limitations of this study, we can conclude that using the newly fabricated 2% simvastatin PLGA scaffolds-maintained cell viability for 96 hours although it was lower than desired. Further research is needed in this respect especially that the present study contains preliminary data.