| Revascularization of the pulp tissue is one of the fundamental processes and challenges in regenerative endodontic procedures
(REPs). In this regard, the current study is aimed at synthesizing the mineral trioxide aggregate- (MTA-) based scaffolds as a
biomaterial for REPs. Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/chitosan (CS)/MTA scaffolds were constructed and evaluated by FTIR,
SEM, XRD, and TGA analyses. Proliferation and adhesion of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were assessed on these
scaffolds by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and MTT assays, respectively. The expression of angiogenic markers was
investigated in gene and protein levels by real-time PCR and western blotting tests. Our results indicated that the obtained
appropriate physicochemical characteristics of scaffolds could be suitable for REPs. The adhesion and proliferation level of
hDPSCs were significantly increased after seeding on PCL/CS/MTA scaffolds. The expression levels of VEGFR-2, Tie2, and
Angiopoietin-1 genes were statistically increased on the PCL/CS/MTA scaffold. In support of these findings, western blotting
results showed the upregulation of these markers at protein levels in PCL/CS/MTA scaffold (P < 0:05). The current study
results suggested that PCL/CS/MTA scaffolds provide appropriate structures for the adhesion and proliferation of hDPSCs
besides induction of the angiogenesis process in these cells. |