Photobiomodulation using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) enhanced the osteogenesis of dental pulp stem cells

Photo-biomodulation (PBM) has shown great potential in bone regeneration; therefore, we planned to investigate the use of different low laser parameters (LLLT) on hDPSCs' osteogenic differentiation potential. hDPSCs were expanded in culture media supplemented with different concentrations of FBS (1 %,5 %, and 10 %). Cells were exposed to different laser parameters using 810 nm diode laser for varying time periods. Cellular processes tested post-laser treatments (T1: 0.3 W/10s/3 J. T2: 0.4 W/10s/4 J. T3:0.8 W/3 s/2.4 J. T4: 1 W/3 s/3 J.). Cells seeded in different concentrations of FBS and not exposed to any laser parameter were kept as negative controls. Our results indicated that exposure of hDPSCs to high laser power (T3, T4) for a short time resulted in wider calcium deposits in comparison to the positive control. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was significantly decreased in all laser parameters in the 1 %FBS group compared to the control (p ≤ 0.05). An enhanced adhesive and wound healing potency was noted among the treated cells, cultured in different FBS concentrations, regardless of the laser treatment groups. For the transwell migration assay, our results showed that T3 and T4 significantly increased the migration potential of treated cells for all the serum concentrations. (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, exposing hDPSCs to a high-power laser for a short time period enhanced osteogenic differentiation by increasing the release of calcium deposits and the expression of functional osteogenic markers in vitro. LLLT lasers may have a crucial role in the process of regeneration and repair; thus, further studies are required to optimize the functional laser parameters for bone regeneration in clinical applications.