Expression of osteoblastic phenotype in periodontal ligament fibroblasts cultured in three-dimensional collagen gel.

Objective: To investigate the influence of a three-dimensional cell culture model on the expression of osteoblastic phenotype in human periodontal ligament fibroblast (hPDLF) cultures.

Material And Methods: hPDLF were seeded on bi-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) collagen type I (experimental groups) and and on a plastic coverslip (control) for up to 14 days. Cell viability and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were performed.