Harnessing strontium in regenerative dentistry: progress and perspectives

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Oral Regenerative Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Strontium (Sr) is an alkaline earth element with significant bioactivity.
• It is naturally present in bone tissue and influences bone metabolism via the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR).
• Strontium ions (Sr2+) modulate key signaling pathways like MAPK/ERK1/2 and Wnt/NFATc.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biological roles of strontium in oral regenerative medicine.
• To examine recent advancements in strontium-doped biomaterials.
• To discuss molecular mechanisms, limitations, and future optimization strategies.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of strontium's biological effects.
• Analysis of strontium's role in osteoblast activity and extracellular matrix deposition.
• Evaluation of strontium-doped biomaterials for applications in alveolar bone and dental implants.

Main Results:

• Strontium-doped biomaterials release Sr2+ ions, stimulating osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.
• These materials exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Strontium influences extracellular matrix deposition, aiding tissue regeneration.

Conclusions:

• Strontium-doped biomaterials hold significant potential for oral tissue regeneration, including alveolar bone reconstruction and dental implant osseointegration.
• Challenges related to degradation kinetics, in vivo stability, and translation require further investigation.
• Optimization strategies are proposed to enhance the development of novel oral regenerative materials.