In Vitro Migration Dynamics of Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells through Micro Perforated Membranes

Background: Cell migration through micro perforated membranes might help in managing the periodontal defect isolation from the surrounding regenerative elements, a problem caused by guided tissue regeneration using occlusive membrane. Macro perforation of a membrane affects its mechanical properties and eliminates its role as a barrier against gingival epithelium and extracellular matrix components. Materials and Methods: Human Gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) were seeded on the upper chambers of collagen-coated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) transwells with readymade pore diameters of 0.4 and 3 microns and polycarbonic acid transwells with readymade pore diameter of 8 microns. Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) was added to the culturing media in the lower chambers versus plain media in the control group. Migrating cells were counted in the lower compartment. Scanning electron microscopic imaging of the lower surface of the perforated transwell membranes was obtained. Results: Human Gingival mesenchymal stem cells migrated more significantly in FBS chemotaxis groups compared to the control group. The 8-micron perforated membrane group showed statistically significant more cell migration compared to the 3-and 0.4-micron groups. Scanning electron microscope images confirmed cell migration through the perforations. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that membrane microperforations of 0.4, 3, and 8 microns are suitable pore diameters for Human gingival mesenchymal stem cell migration to chemotactic media and are occlusive for cell migration in negative control, without affecting membrane mechanical or occlusive properties, which can be used to develop GTR membrane with selective cell migration ability.