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Engineered biomaterial-based scaffolds for dentin-pulp complex regeneration: applications and biological
Anderson Gomes Forte1,2, Juan Vitor Costa Leite3, Alana Pinto Caroso Souza3
1Dental Materials Division, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Piracicaba Dental School, State University of Campinas (FOP/UNICAMP), Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil. andersongforte.ag@gmail.com.
Odontology
|July 1, 2026
Summary
Engineered scaffolds show promise for regenerating the dentin-pulp complex. These materials support cell growth and tissue formation, paving the way for future dental therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Dental Research
Background:
- The dentin-pulp complex has limited natural regenerative capacity.
- Engineered scaffolds offer a promising strategy for guided tissue regeneration.
- Current research focuses on developing advanced biomaterials for this purpose.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and summarize scientific evidence on engineered scaffolds for dentin-pulp complex regeneration.
- To map the landscape of scaffold materials, fabrication techniques, and reported outcomes.
- To identify trends and knowledge gaps in the field.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
- Systematic searches across major scientific databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science) and grey literature.
- Inclusion of in vitro, in situ, and in vivo studies evaluating scaffolds for dentin-pulp regeneration.
Main Results:
- 44 studies were included, predominantly in vitro and animal models.
- Scaffolds comprised synthetic polymers, natural biomaterials, bioceramics, hybrids, and ECM-derived materials.
- Common fabrication methods included lyophilization and electrospinning, with emerging techniques like 3D printing and bioprinting.
- Favorable cytocompatibility, cell support, odontogenic differentiation, and mineralization were observed.
- Bioactive functionalization and antimicrobial properties enhanced regenerative potential.
- In vivo studies showed potential for vascularized pulp-like and dentin-like tissue formation.
Conclusions:
- Engineered scaffolds demonstrate significant potential for dentin-pulp complex regeneration.
- These scaffolds provide structural support and deliver bioactive cues to promote tissue healing.
- Natural, synthetic, and hybrid scaffolds consistently support differentiation, mineralization, and pulp-like tissue formation.
- Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to translate these findings into therapeutic applications.
