Fig. 2

Proof of concept study. The interaction of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPLF) with the different components used in the developed 3D in vitro model was first assessed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and cell staining with MTT. a) SEM of HPLF grown on human dentin (scale bar 100 μm). Migration of HPLF was visualized by cell staining with MTT after 4 days of culture on cultured on b) collagen (2 mg/ml, scale bar 800 μm), c) dentin (scale bar 1000 μm) and d) Enamel Matrix Protein (EMP, 30 mg/ml, scale bar 1000 μm). e) Quantification of the maximal migration distance (μm) of HPLF on collagen, dentin and EMP (30 mg/ml) was determined by ImageJ analysis, n = 3. Data showed no statistical difference. f) Migration density calculated as cell number/cm²) with ImageJ analysis