Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
07:07
Development of a Direct Pulp-capping Model for the Evaluation of Pulpal Wound Healing and Reparative Dentin Formation in Mice
Published on: January 12, 2017
Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots-Loaded Extracellular Vesicles with Inflamed Pulp-Homing Targeting Enhance Pulp Repair in
Ling Lin1, Jingyan Xue1, Weichun Ye1
1Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangdong 510055, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Engineered nanoparticles called graphene oxide quantum dots within extracellular vesicles (GOEs) effectively repair inflamed dental pulp. This novel nanomaterial enhances stem cell function and promotes tissue regeneration in endodontics.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Endodontics
Background:
- Pulpitis presents a significant challenge in endodontics, requiring therapies with anti-inflammatory and pro-differentiation capabilities.
- Effective inflamed dental pulp repair is crucial for retaining affected teeth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel drug delivery system for inflamed dental pulp repair.
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) encapsulated in extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from inflamed dental pulp stem cells (iDPSCs).
Main Methods:
- Constructed engineered EVs loaded with GOQDs (GOEs) using electroporation.
- Evaluated GOE biocompatibility, proliferative effects, and internalization efficiency in iDPSCs.
- Assessed GOE impact on energy metabolism, AMPK/mTOR pathway, and NF-κB signaling in vitro and in vivo.
Main Results:
- GOEs demonstrated homologous targeting, with 2.57-fold higher internalization in iDPSCs.
- GOEs showed excellent biocompatibility and promoted iDPSC proliferation at 10 μg/mL.
- GOEs modulated stem cell energy metabolism, enhancing glycolysis, restoring mitochondrial function, and activating the AMPK/mTOR pathway, leading to improved inflamed dental pulp repair.
Conclusions:
- Engineered GOEs represent a promising energy-regulating nanomaterial for treating pulpitis.
- This approach offers a novel strategy to enhance endodontic regenerative efficacy by reshaping the inflammatory microenvironment.
