Laser-induced modulation of root dentin surface for growth factor release and enhanced stem cell response

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Dentistry
• Laser Dentistry

Background:

• Pulp regeneration in immature teeth relies on growth factor release from dentin.
• Current methods like EDTA may have limitations in optimizing dentin for regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate Nd: YAG and diode lasers' effects on dentin.
• To assess their impact on Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) release and stem cell response.
• To determine their potential for endodontic regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Dentin blocks treated with Nd: YAG or diode lasers at various energy densities after NaOCl.
• Quantification of TGF-β1 release using ELISA.
• Assessment of stem cell viability, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and surface morphology via SEM.
• Comparison with NaOCl/EDTA and untreated controls.

Main Results:

• Lasers altered dentin morphology, increasing surface roughness and promoting favorable stem cell adhesion.
• All laser groups significantly increased TGF-β1 release compared to controls.
• Nd: YAG at 60 J/cm² yielded the highest TGF-β1 levels, surpassing the EDTA control.
• Laser treatments were non-cytotoxic and significantly elevated ALP activity, with Nd: YAG at 60 J/cm² showing superior results to EDTA.

Conclusions:

• Laser-assisted dentin conditioning effectively enhances TGF-β1 release and stem cell activity.
• Nd: YAG and diode lasers are viable, non-cytotoxic alternatives to EDTA for regenerative endodontics.
• This laser-based approach shows significant promise as an adjunctive strategy for pulp regeneration.