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BIOCOMPATIBILITY AND BIOACTIVITY OF A NOVEL PIEZOELECTRIC HYDROGEL AS A PULP CAPPING MATERIAL
Solanki, Varun
Solanki, Varun
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Thesis/Dissertation
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2025-08
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Oral Biology
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https://doi.org/10.34944/6az5-3y52
Abstract
Preserving dental pulp vitality is a primary goal in restorative dentistry. Vital pulp therapy (VPT) using bioactive materials has shown promise in promoting pulp healing and dentin regeneration. Piezoelectric biomaterials, which generate electrical charges under mechanical stress, represent a novel class of regenerative tools. This study investigates the biocompatibility and odontogenic potential of PiezoGEL, a composite hydrogel consisting of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and barium titanate (BTO), designed to generate endogenous electrical stimulation in response to mechanical forces within the oral cavity.
Materials and Methods: PiezoGEL was prepared by incorporating 1% BTO nanoparticles into a 10% GelMA hydrogel matrix, photo-crosslinked using 0.5% LAP under UV light. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were cultured on hydrogel discs and subjected to either static or cyclic mechanical loading conditions. Cell viability was evaluated using the AlamarBlue assay at Days 5 and 10. Mineralization was assessed using Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining. Odontogenic differentiation was quantified via RT-qPCR, targeting gene markers including ALP (alkaline phosphatase), COL1A1 (collagen 1 alpha 1), DSPP (dentin sialophosphoprotein), and DMP1 (dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1). Biodentine XP served as the clinical control.
Results: PiezoGEL demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility, with significantly higher cell viability under cyclic loading conditions compared to static and control groups (p < 0.05). ARS staining showed increased calcium deposition in PiezoGEL groups, particularly under mechanical stimulation. Gene expression analysis revealed significant upregulation of early (ALP, COL1A1) and late (DSPP, DMP1) odontogenic markers in PiezoGEL-treated groups, with cyclic loading further enhancing the effect. Biodentine also induced differentiation, though to a lesser extent than PiezoGEL under cyclic loading.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that PiezoGEL promotes hDPSC viability, mineralization, and odontogenic differentiation, likely due to piezoelectric stimulation. The integration of BTO nanoparticles into a GelMA hydrogel matrix presents a promising strategy for regenerative endodontics. PiezoGEL could serve as an effective alternative to traditional pulp capping materials by combining mechanical stability, biocompatibility, and limited regenerative pro. Further in vivo studies are recommended to confirm its clinical utility in VPT.
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