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Updated: Jan 15, 2026
Electrospinning Growth Factor Releasing Microspheres into Fibrous Scaffolds
Published on: August 16, 2014
An Electrospun Heparin Modified Nanofiber Membrane Carrying Multiple Growth Factors for Dental Pulp Regeneration
Xin-Lu Li1, Hui Liu1, Wei Fan1
1The State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
Introduction And Aims:
To develop a multifunctional nanofiber membrane carrying angiogenic, dentinogenic, and neurogenic growth factors for dental pulp regeneration.
Methods:
Electrospun gelatin/polycaprolactone (GEL/PCL) nanofiber membranes were modified with heparin (H-GEL/PCL) and loaded with VEGF, BMP-2, and NGF. The physicochemical properties and growth factor release behaviour of the membranes were systematically characterized. Their bioactivity was evaluated by assessing cell viability, proliferation, migration, and differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells in vitro, and a subcutaneous semiorthotopic transplantation model was established to verify the pulp-like tissue regeneration potential in vivo.
Results:
The H-GEL/PCL membranes exhibited uniform nanofiber morphology, favourable mechanical and hydrophilic properties, sustained degradation, and controlled growth factor release. H-GEL/PCL membranes loaded with VEGF, BMP-2, and NGF enhanced angiogenic, odontogenic, and neurogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells in vitro and facilitated vascular and neural ingrowth of dental pulp-like tissue in vivo.
Conclusions:
The H-GEL/PCL membrane carrying angiogenic, dentinogenic, and neurogenic growth factors effectively promotes angiogenesis and neurogenesis in the regenerated dental pulp-like tissue.
Clinical Relevance:
This multifunctional membrane offers a promising strategy for regenerating vascularized and innervated dental pulp-like tissues, with potential application for regenerative endodontic therapy.
