Exploring Hesperidin Hydrogel for Pulp Capping Advancements: An In Vitro Study

Background Regenerative endodontics is revolutionizing pulp preservation by utilizing bioactive materials to enhance dentinogenesis. Direct pulp capping, a widely used technique, often relies on traditional pulp-capping agents (PCAs) like Biodentine. However, limitations such as reduced long-term bioactivity highlight the need for novel alternatives. Hesperidin, a natural flavonoid with potent anti-inflammatory and angiogenic properties, has emerged as a promising candidate. This study investigates and compares the growth factor release profiles of hesperidin hydrogel and Biodentine to assess their potential in vital pulp therapy. Methods Sixty extracted human third molars were processed into dentin discs and divided into two groups: hesperidin hydrogel and Biodentine. Each group was further subdivided based on incubation durations (7, 14, and 28 days). The release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key regulator of angiogenesis and tissue regeneration, was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In vitro permeation studies and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were performed to assess material properties. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, United States). Results Hesperidin hydrogel demonstrated a significantly higher and sustained release of VEGF compared to Biodentine across all time intervals (p < 0.0001). While Biodentine showed an initial burst release that declined over time, hesperidin hydrogel maintained stable bioactivity, indicating prolonged regenerative potential. Conclusion Hesperidin hydrogel outperforms Biodentine in sustaining VEGF release, making it a promising next-generation biomaterial for direct pulp capping. Its ability to promote angiogenesis and support long-term pulp vitality highlights its potential to revolutionize regenerative endodontics. Further in vivo studies are needed to confirm its clinical efficacy.