GelMA/TCP nanocomposite scaffold for vital pulp therapy

Abstract

<p>Pulp capping is a necessary procedure for preserving the vitality and health of the dental pulp, playing a crucial role in preventing the need for root canal treatment or tooth extraction. Here, we developed an electrospun gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) fibrous scaffold incorporating beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) particles for pulp capping. A comprehensive morphological, physical-chemical, and mechanical characterization of the engineered fibrous scaffolds was performed. <em>In vitro</em> bioactivity, cell compatibility, and odontogenic differentiation potential of the scaffolds in dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were also evaluated. A pre-clinical <em>in vivo</em> model was used to determine the therapeutic role of the GelMA/TCP scaffolds in promoting hard tissue formation. Morphological, chemical, and thermal analyses confirmed effective TCP incorporation in the GelMA <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/nanofiber" title="Learn more about nanofibers from ScienceDirect's AI-generated Topic Pages">nanofibers</a>. The GelMA+20%TCP nanofibrous scaffold exhibited bead-free morphology and suitable mechanical and degradation properties. <em>In vitro</em>, GelMA+20%TCP scaffolds supported apatite-like formation, improved cell spreading, and increased deposition of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/mineralization" title="Learn more about mineralization from ScienceDirect's AI-generated Topic Pages">mineralization</a> nodules. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/gene-expression-profiling" title="Learn more about Gene expression analysis from ScienceDirect's AI-generated Topic Pages">Gene expression analysis</a> revealed upregulation of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/alpl" title="Learn more about ALPL from ScienceDirect's AI-generated Topic Pages">ALPL</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/runx2" title="Learn more about RUNX2 from ScienceDirect's AI-generated Topic Pages">RUNX2</a>, COL1A1, and DMP1 in the presence of TCP-laden scaffolds. <em>In vivo</em>, analyses showed mild inflammatory reaction upon scaffolds’ contact while supporting <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/mineralized-tissue" title="Learn more about mineralized tissue from ScienceDirect's AI-generated Topic Pages">mineralized tissue</a> formation. Although the levels of Nestin and DMP1 proteins did not exceed those associated with the clinical reference treatment (i.e., mineral trioxide aggregate), the GelMA+20%TCP scaffold exhibited comparable levels, thus suggesting the emergence of differentiated odontoblast-like cells capable of dentin matrix secretion. Our innovative GelMA/TCP scaffold represents a simplified and efficient alternative to conventional pulp-capping biomaterials.</p>