Mexican scientists develop stem cell bank from dental pieces

A group of investigators from UNAM’s National School of Superior Studies (ENES) in León are working on a project for the development of stem cells extracted from the pulp of dental pieces with aims to use them for cellular regeneration of several tissues.

Endorsed by the Support Program for Investigation and Technological Innovation Projects (PAPIIT-IA205518) and the Binational Innovation Node (NoBI) from the Bajío , this project began with the research of cytotoxicity, nanomaterials or particles through cells from the oral cavity such as gingival fibers, periodontal ligament, and stem cells from the human dental pulp.

In an interview with the National Council for Science and Technology’s Information Agency , René García Contreras , who is responsible for the stem cell bank, stressed that one of the project’s main goals was the development of business models, optimizing market opportunities for the project in the country.

Given the proliferation of companies offering stem cell treatments for different illnesses, García Contreras stated that “scientific rigor was a must, and we have to take it one step at a time, because if certain conditions are not met, the particles cannot be considered as stem cells, which could potentially threaten the patient’s integrity.”

“We are working in offering a service to our community for the future, so that once we have all the latest technology we may use cells from the bank for therapy and treatments for patients with health conditions that may require stem cells,” García concluded.

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