(PR017) Hydrogel Scaffolds for Enhancing Dental Pulp Stem Cell Differentiation in Regenerative Endodontics

Objective: This study aims to develop a viscoelastic hydrogel that mimics the extracellular matrix to guide the differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and promote effective dental pulp-like tissue regeneration.

Methods: A novel dynamic hydrogel was synthesized by combining Hyaluronic acid-Adamantane and Gelatin-Maleimide polymers to create a scaffold with high viscoelasticity. DPSCs were encapsulated within both dynamic and non-dynamic hydrogels to assess the influence of ECM mimicry on cell behavior. Cell differentiation was measured using immunofluorescent staining and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), specifically targeting neurogenic markers. Statistical significance was analyzed using t-test.

Results: The dynamic hydrogel demonstrated superior viscoelastic and structural properties, promoting enhanced cell migration, and the upregulation of integrin β1 in DPSCs. Elevated neurogenic marker expression, including MAP2, NeuN, and TUBB3, was observed in DPSCs cultured in the dynamic hydrogel compared to the non-dynamic control. In vivo findings showed that the dynamic hydrogel promoted organized dentin-like tissue and nerve regeneration, signifying its potential as a scaffold for dental pulp regeneration.

Conclusion: The dynamic hydrogel supports DPSCs growth and differentiation through enhanced ECM mimicry, offering a promising approach for regenerative endodontics with potential clinical applications; further investigations are necessary to optimize hydrogel formulations and therapeutic efficacy.