GelMA-Encapsulated hDPSCs and HUVECs for Dental Pulp Regeneration

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Endodontics

Background:

• Pulpal revascularization aims for apical closure in immature teeth but faces challenges in stimulating periapical bleeding, potentially hindering root maturation.
• Current methods for regenerating dental pulp tissues in immature permanent teeth are not always successful.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop reliable methods for regenerating pulp-like tissues within tooth root segments (RSs).
• To evaluate the efficacy of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) encapsulated in GelMA hydrogel for dental pulp regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Tooth root segments were injected with hDPSCs and HUVECs in GelMA hydrogel (G1), acellular GelMA (G2), or left empty (G3).
• Samples were cultured in osteogenic media and subsequently implanted subcutaneously in nude rats.
• Immunofluorescent histochemistry was used to analyze tissue formation, cell attachment, proliferation, and neovasculature development.

Main Results:

• Robust pulp-like tissue regeneration was observed in G1 (hDPSC/HUVEC-encapsulated GelMA).
• hDPSC/HUVEC-encapsulated constructs facilitated pulp cell attachment to dentin and infiltration into tubules.
• GelMA hydrogels supported cell attachment, proliferation, and organized neovasculature formation, unlike acellular controls.

Conclusions:

• GelMA hydrogel combined with hDPSCs and HUVECs represents a promising, clinically relevant treatment for pulpal revascularization.
• This approach effectively regenerates human dental pulp tissues and promotes organized vascularization.
• The findings suggest a new strategy for treating immature permanent teeth requiring pulp regeneration.