Figure 4
Schematic representation of the bio-implant. (a) The natural periodontium contains cementum, PDL connecting alveolar bone and cementum, and blood vessels. (b) The ihPDLs sheet bio-implant shows PDL-like connective tissue formation; however, the vertically aligned PDL-like tissue cannot function. A few blood vessels are engaged in the PDL-like tissue. (c) The ihCEM [HUVEC]/ihPDL bi-layered cell sheet bio-implant. Bone remodelling occurred between the threads of the fixture and the blood vessels around the remodelled bone. (d) The ihCEM [HUVEC]/ERM/ihPDL tri-layered cell sheet bio-implant shows rapid bone healing and thin cementum-like calcified tissue on the fixture. The PDL space was narrower than the bi-layered bio-implant. (e) Final goal of the bio-implant. The PDL connects alveolar bone with properly formed cementum on the fixture. The width of the PDL space is precisely regulated for optimal functioning.
