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

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Endodontics
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Regenerative endodontics aims to preserve pulp vitality using bioactive materials for dentinogenesis.
• Traditional pulp-capping agents (PCAs) like Biodentine have limitations in long-term bioactivity.
• Hesperidin, a natural flavonoid, exhibits anti-inflammatory and angiogenic properties, making it a potential alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the growth factor release profiles of hesperidin hydrogel and Biodentine.
• To assess their potential in vital pulp therapy and direct pulp capping.

Main Methods:

• Sixty human third molars were used to create dentin discs, divided into hesperidin hydrogel and Biodentine groups.
• Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release was quantified using ELISA over 7, 14, and 28 days.
• In vitro permeation and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were conducted.

Main Results:

• Hesperidin hydrogel exhibited significantly higher and sustained VEGF release than Biodentine across all time points (p < 0.0001).
• Biodentine showed an initial burst release followed by a decline, while hesperidin hydrogel maintained stable bioactivity.
• Hesperidin hydrogel demonstrated prolonged regenerative potential.

Conclusions:

• Hesperidin hydrogel is a promising next-generation biomaterial for direct pulp capping due to its sustained VEGF release.
• It promotes angiogenesis and supports long-term pulp vitality, potentially revolutionizing regenerative endodontics.
• Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm clinical efficacy.