ABSTRACT
Objective(s): Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is an allograft bone composed of native insoluble bone
morphogenetic proteins and plays important roles in skeletal development, osteogenesis, and differentiation
of mesenchymal stem cells. The osteoinductive capabilities of Allogenic DBM make it a potential drug delivery
system for preventive treatment in various anatomical sites. In this study, the cytotoxic and teratogenic effects
of DBM nanoparticles, on Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells and chicken embryos were evaluated.
Materials and Methods: DBM nanoparticles were injected into fertile eggs at doses of 10, 20, 40, 80, and 100
μM / egg. Then morphological, histological, and skeletal malformations were evaluated. Cytotoxic effects of
DBM nanoparticles on Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells were also assessed using MTT test.
Results: Results showed that the fetal growth abnormality occurred only in embryos treated at the highest
dose tested (i.e., 100 μM / egg) and MTT test showed no cytotoxicity in low concentration.
Conclusion: These results indicated that nanoparticles do not have significant toxic effects on chick embryos
and cultured stem cells. Only high doses of DBM nanoparticles reduce growth in embryos and cultured cells.
Keywords: Chick embryo, Mesenchymal stem cells, Nanoparticles, Toxicity
