iDentgel: Immune-modulated dental pulp regeneration through dual-cure injectable nanocomposite hydrogel

Oral tissues are prone to infections and diseases that can lead to irreversible damage. Traditionally, oral tissue repair is established via restorative materials, replacing tooth and bony tissue. However, there is a tendency towards more natural procedures in regenerative dentistry by applying tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) techniques. TERM can be realized via cell-free and cell-based approaches, while dental tissue repair can be based on various types of drug deliveries. Recently, both aspects have been combined with promising results in immune-modulated tissue regeneration. A factor that can be considered for such regenerative process is the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1). Although, the use of chemokines in TERM is challenging because of their unstable characteristics. The aim of this research project is to, for the first time, ensure sustained delivery of SDF-1 in oral tissues. To realize this aim, three studies were designed. Development of SDF-1 loaded chitosan-gelatin-heparan sulfate nanoparticles (SCGH-NPs) is the first in vitro study, which is followed by in vitro synthesis of a hydrogel with modified polymer alginate and fibrin, to finish with a validation ex vivo tooth model. The expected result is sustained release of SDF-1. Consequently, this will allow an increased cell proliferation, and wound healing, aiding regeneration of a compromised oral lesion in a moist habitat containing microflora.