Dexamethasone/β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex hydrogel for vital pulp therapy.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Dental Research

Background:

• Vital pulp therapies aim to control inflammation and promote mineralization for pulp-dentin complex regeneration.
• Developing effective drug delivery systems for these therapies remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and evaluate dexamethasone-β-cyclodextrin (DEX/ICD) inclusion complex-loaded methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogels for enhanced pulp-dentin regeneration.
• To assess the impact of DEX/ICD-loaded GelMA on dental stem cell behavior, including proliferation and mineralization.

Main Methods:

• DEX/ICD inclusion complex formation was confirmed using FTIR and XRD.
• GelMA hydrogels loaded with DEX or DEX/ICD were fabricated and characterized for mechanical properties, swelling, degradation, and drug release.
• Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous (SHED) cells were used to evaluate cell proliferation (MTS assay), morphology (fluorescence microscopy), and mineralization (Alizarin Red staining).

Main Results:

• FTIR and XRD confirmed successful DEX/ICD complex formation.
• Hydrogel incorporation of DEX or DEX/ICD did not significantly alter mechanical properties, swelling, or degradation.
• DEX/ICD-loaded hydrogels demonstrated sustained dexamethasone release, peaking at day 14, while DEX-loaded hydrogels showed reduced release after day 7.
• DEX/ICD-loaded GelMA significantly enhanced SHED cell proliferation on day 7 and significantly promoted mineralization compared to DEX-loaded GelMA and controls.
• Cell morphology was not compromised by the hydrogels.

Conclusions:

• The β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex effectively optimized dexamethasone delivery from GelMA hydrogels.
• DEX/ICD-loaded GelMA hydrogels significantly enhance dental stem cell proliferation and mineralization capacity.
• These injectable DEX/ICD-loaded GelMA hydrogels represent a promising biomaterial for controlling inflammation and inducing mineralized tissue formation in pulp capping strategies.