Aptamer-Directed Porous DNA Nanocomposite Hydrogel for Active Pulp Preservation: Immunomodulation, Stem Cell...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Dental Research

Background:

• Vital pulp therapy (VPT) aims to preserve dental pulp vitality but faces challenges with inflammation and limited stem cell response.
• Current VPT strategies are often passive and lack targeted regenerative capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an injectable, aptamer-functionalized hydrogel (DGDL-Apt) for active pulp preservation.
• To investigate the hydrogel's ability to reprogram the immune-redox microenvironment and recruit dental pulp stem cells.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a porous double-network hydrogel using dopamine-modified gelatin methacryloyl and DNA-Laponite assembly.
• In vitro assessment of oxidative stress suppression, macrophage polarization, and odontogenic differentiation.
• In vivo evaluation in a rat pulpitis model for inflammation resolution and dentin bridge formation.

Main Results:

• The DGDL-Apt hydrogel effectively suppressed oxidative stress and promoted M2 macrophage polarization.
• In vitro studies showed enhanced odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells.
• In vivo, the hydrogel led to rapid inflammation resolution, stem cell enrichment, and formation of a reparative dentin bridge.

Conclusions:

• The DGDL-Apt hydrogel represents an active regenerative strategy for vital pulp therapy, moving beyond passive pulp-capping.
• This approach demonstrates potential for enhanced pulp preservation and regeneration by modulating the local microenvironment.