Abstract: Objective: To study the effects of rhVEGF165 loaded catechol chitosan (cat-cs) scaffold on the angiogenesis of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) in young permanent teeth. Methods: SHED was isolated and cultured by enzyme digestion and inverted adherent method. The stemness of SHEDs was identified by cell morphology, alkaline phosphatase, and alizarin red staining. The biocompatibility of CS and Cat-CS was detected by MTT, HE staining, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The expression of endothelial cell marker CD31, VEGFR2, and VE-cadherin was detected by real-time PCR. Results: SHED had strong reproductive activity. Alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining revealed differentiation of SHED. The MTT results showed no obvious toxicity of Cat-CS to SHED. HE staining and SEM showed Cat-CS was more favorable for cell extension and adhesion. Cat-CS could efficiently promote more expression of CD31, VEGFR2, and VE-cadherin than CS. And the expression of these genes is further promoted when Cat-CS is combined with rhVEGF165 (P<0.05). Conclusion: Cat-CS has good biocompatibility and can be used as a good scaffold for pulp regeneration.

Key words: Catechol chitosan, SHED, Pulp regeneration