Host-pathogen interaction between a three-dimensional tissue model with a binary cell system and dual species biofilm Under Normoglycemic and Diabetic Conditions

Apical periodontitis is a disease caused by the persistence of microorganisms and their virulence factors in the root canal system. This infection leads to inflammation of the soft tissues and changes in the periapical bone structure. Bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Parvimonas micra form biofilms that are resistant to conventional cleaning, making treatment more challenging. Additionally, systemic conditions like diabetes mellitus further aggravate this scenario by compromising the immune response and intensifying inflammation, influencing both the progression and healing of apical periodontitis.
This project will use an in vitro three-dimensional model composed of periodontal ligament fibroblasts and macrophages to simulate the periapical environment. These models will be exposed to bacterial biofilms grown on dentin discs and analyzed under normal and hyperglycemic conditions in terms of cell viability, morphological changes, and interactions with microorganisms.
The aim is to gain a better understanding of the interactions between endodontic infection, periapical inflammation, and systemic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, thereby contributing to the development of more effective and personalized therapies. The use of in vitro three-dimensional tissue models represents an advance in endodontic research, as it enables the analysis of complex cellular interactions that more accurately reflect the real clinical environment.

Faculty Supervisor:

Anil Kishen

Student:

Partner:

Universidade de São Paulo

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Toronto

Program: