Injectable Multifunctional Drug Delivery System for Hard Tissue Regeneration under Inflammatory Microenvironments

Role of exosomes in dental and craniofacial regeneration - A review

BACKGROUND

The treatment of congenital deformities, traumatic injuries, infectious diseases, and tumors in the craniomaxillofacial (CMF) region is complex due to the intricate nature of the tissues involved. Conventional treatments such as bone grafts and cell transplantation face limitations, including the need for multiple surgeries, complications, and safety concerns.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of exosomes (EXOs) in CMF and dental tissue regeneration and to explore their potential applications in regenerative dental medicine.

METHODS

An extensive review of advancements in tissue engineering, materials sciences, and nanotechnology was conducted to evaluate the development of delivery systems for EXOs-based therapies. The analysis included how EXOs, as nanovesicles released by cells, can be modified to target specific cells or loaded with functional molecules for drug or gene delivery.

RESULTS

EXOs have emerged as a promising alternative to cell transplant therapy, offering a safer method for cell communication and epigenetic control. EXOs transport important proteins and genetic materials, facilitating intercellular communication and delivering therapeutics effectively. The potential of EXOs in personalized medicine, particularly in diagnosing, customizing treatment, and predicting patient responses, is highlighted.

CONCLUSION

EXO-mediated therapy holds significant potential for advancing tissue regeneration, offering targeted, personalized treatment options with reduced side effects. However, challenges in purification, production, and standardized protocols need to be addressed before its clinical application can be fully realized.

Guidance on the assessment of the functionality of biomaterials for periodontal tissue regeneration: Methodologies and testing procedures

Innovative biomaterials and tissue engineering strategies show great promise in regenerating periodontal tissues. This guidance provides an overview and detailed recommendations for evaluating the biological functionality of these new biomaterials in vitro, focusing on mineralization, immunomodulatory effects, cellular differentiation, and angiogenesis. Additionally, it discusses the use of in vivo experimental models that mimic periodontitis and scrutinizes methods such as osteogenic differentiation, immunomodulation, and anti-inflammatory responses to assess the effectiveness of these biomaterials in promoting periodontal tissue reconstruction. The guidance also addresses translating these findings to clinical applications, including using large animal models. This article aims to provide general recommendations for assessing the biological performance of novel materials and scaffold-based strategies using in vitro and in vivo (animal models), examining their advantages, disadvantages, and methodologies to guide effective research and clinical translation of regenerative treatments in periodontology.

Photo-crosslinkable hydrogel incorporated with bone matrix particles for advancements in dentin tissue engineering

The objective of this study was to create injectable photo-crosslinkable biomaterials, using gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel, combined with a decellularized bone matrix (BMdc) and a deproteinized (BMdp) bovine bone matrix. These were intended to serve as bioactive scaffolds for dentin regeneration. The parameters for GelMA hydrogel fabrication were initially selected, followed by the incorporation of BMdc and BMdp at a 1% (w/v) ratio. Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) was also included as a control. A physicochemical characterization was conducted, with FTIR analysis indicating that the mineral phase was complexed with GelMA, and BMdc was chemically bonded to the amide groups of gelatin. The porous structure was preserved post-BMdc incorporation, with bone particles incorporated alongside the pores. Conversely, the mineral phase was situated inside the pore opening, affecting the degree of porosity. The mineral phase did not modify the degradability of GelMA, even under conditions of type I collagenase-mediated enzymatic challenge, allowing hydrogel injection and increased mechanical strength. Subsequently, human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) were seeded onto the hydrogels. The cells remained viable and proliferative, irrespective of the GelMA composition. All mineral phases resulted in a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized matrix deposition. However, GelMA-BMdc exhibited higher cell expression values, significantly surpassing those of all other formulations. In conclusion, our results showed that GelMA-BMdc produced a porous and stable hydrogel, capable of enhancing odontoblastic differentiation and mineral deposition when in contact with HDPCs, thereby showing potential for dentin regeneration.

Metronidazole-laden silk fibroin methacrylated scaffolds for managing periapical lesions

This study aimed to develop and characterize silk fibroin methacrylated/SilkMA electrospun scaffolds associated with metronidazole/MET to control infection in root-end resected periapical lesions while supporting bone regeneration. SilkMA-based formulations (10% w/v) incorporating MET (0-control; 5, 15, or 30% w/w) were electrospun into fibrous scaffolds and photocrosslinked. Scaffolds' morphology, chemical composition, swelling/degradation profiles, mechanical properties, cytocompatibility with alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells/aBMSCs and stem cells from apical papilla/SCAPs, anti-inflammatory potential, and antibacterial efficacy (direct contact assay against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans/Aa and Fusobacterium nucleatum/Fn; Aa biofilm model) were assessed. Statistical analysis was conducted using a significance level of 5%. Morphological analysis revealed that MET content influenced fiber diameters post-crosslinking, while the chemical composition analysis confirmed MET integration within the scaffolds. 30%MET-laden scaffolds demonstrated reduced swelling capacity compared to SilkMA/control scaffolds, while complete degradation was observed after 42 days for the formulated scaffolds. Mechanical testing indicated enhanced stiffness and tensile strength in 30%MET-laden scaffolds compared to SilkMA/control (p < 0.05). Cytocompatibility evaluations showed non-cytotoxic effects across all formulations for aBMSCs and SCAPs. Anti-inflammatory assays demonstrated decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 synthesis by aBMSCs treated with SilkMA + MET30% and Escherichia coli LPS, comparable to negative control (p > 0.05). Antibacterial efficacy assays revealed significant inhibition of Aa and Fn, with 30%MET-laden scaffolds demonstrating biofilm inhibition against Aa (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the potential of SilkMA scaffolds laden with MET as a promising strategy for managing periapical lesions, offering enhanced structural support, antimicrobial properties, and biocompatibility crucial for effective tissue regeneration and infection control after endodontic surgery.

Engineering natural DNA matrices with halloysite nanotubes to fabricate injectable therapeutic hydrogels for bone regeneration

Background

Injectable hydrogels are widely used in drug delivery and the repair of irregular tissue defects due to their advantages such as convenient and minimally invasive operation. Although the existing injectable hydrogels have excellent biocompatibility and osteoconduction, they still face clinical challenges such as low osteogenic activity. The key requirements for improved injectable hydrogels as repair materials for non-load bearing bone defects are optimal handling properties, the ability to fill irregular defects and provide osteoinductive stimulation.

Methods

We developed an approach to construct injectable hydrogels through a two-step gelation process. In the first step of gelation, the denaturation and rehybridization mechanism of natural biopolymer DNA was utilized to form interconnected structure through hydrogen bonding between complementary base pairs between the DNA strands. In the second step of gelation, the introduction of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) loaded with osteogenic model drug dexamethasone (Dex) provided additional crosslinking sites through non-covalent interactions with the DNA backbone, including electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bonding interaction.

Results

The DNA-based nanocomposite hydrogel material developed in our work can be used as an injectable filling material for the repair of non-load bearing bone defect and can be loaded with osteogenic model drug dexamethasone (Dex) for improved osteoinductivity, promoting new bone regeneration in vivo.

Translational potential of this article

This article highlights the potential of using nanocomposite hydrogels to repair non-load bearing bone defects, which are common injuries in the clinic. This study provides a deeper understanding of how to optimize the properties of hydrogels to regulate cell differentiation and tissue formation.

Bifunctional naringenin-laden gelatin methacryloyl scaffolds with osteogenic and anti-inflammatory properties

OBJECTIVE

To fabricate and characterize an innovative gelatin methacryloyl/GelMA electrospun scaffold containing the citrus flavonoid naringenin/NA with osteogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

METHODS

GelMA scaffolds (15 % w/v) containing 0/Control, 5, 10, or 20 % of NA w/w were obtained via electrospinning. The chemical composition, fiber morphology/diameter, swelling/degradation profile, and NA release were investigated. Cytotoxicity, cell proliferation, adhesion and spreading, total protein/TP production, alkaline phosphatase/ALP activity, osteogenic genes expression (OCN, OPN, RUNX2), and mineralized nodules deposition/MND with human alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells (aBMSCs) seeded on the scaffolds were assessed. Moreover, aBMSCs seeded on the scaffolds and stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha/TNF-α were submitted to collagen, nitric oxide/NO, interleukin/IL-1α, and IL-6 production assessment. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and t-student/post-hoc tests (α = 5 %).

RESULTS

NA-laden scaffolds presented increased fiber diameter, lower swelling capacity, and faster degradation profile over 28 days (p < 0.05). NA release was detected over time. Cell adhesion and spreading, and TP production were similar between GelMA and GelMA+NA5 % scaffolds, while cell proliferation, ALP activity, OCN/OPN/RUNX2 gene expression, and MND were higher for GelMA+NA5 % scaffolds (p < 0.05). Cells seeded on control scaffolds and TNF-α-stimulated presented higher levels of NO, IL-1α/IL-6, and lower levels of collagen (p < 0.05). In contrast, cells seeded on GelMA+NA5 % scaffolds showed downregulation of inflammatory markers and higher collagen synthesis (p < 0.05).

SIGNIFICANCE

GelMA+NA5 % scaffold was cytocompatible, stimulated aBMSCs proliferation and differentiation, and downregulated inflammatory mediators' synthesis, suggesting its therapeutic effect as a multi-target bifunctional scaffold with osteogenic and anti-inflammatory properties for bone tissue engineering.

Nanomaterial-integrated injectable hydrogels for craniofacial bone reconstruction

The complex anatomy and biology of craniofacial bones pose difficulties in their effective and precise reconstruction. Injectable hydrogels (IHs) with water-swollen networks are emerging as a shape-adaptive alternative for noninvasively rebuilding craniofacial bones. The advent of versatile nanomaterials (NMs) customizes IHs with strengthened mechanical properties and therapeutically favorable performance, presenting excellent contenders over traditional substitutes. Structurally, NM-reinforced IHs are energy dissipative and covalently crosslinked, providing the mechanics necessary to support craniofacial structures and physiological functions. Biofunctionally, incorporating unique NMs into IH expands a plethora of biological activities, including immunomodulatory, osteogenic, angiogenic, and antibacterial effects, further favoring controllable dynamic tissue regeneration. Mechanistically, NM-engineered IHs optimize the physical traits to direct cell responses, regulate intracellular signaling pathways, and control the release of biomolecules, collectively bestowing structure-induced features and multifunctionality. By encompassing state-of-the-art advances in NM-integrated IHs, this review offers a foundation for future clinical translation of craniofacial bone reconstruction.

Development of Cerium Oxide-Laden GelMA/PCL Scaffolds for Periodontal Tissue Engineering

This study investigated gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) blend scaffolds incorporating cerium oxide (CeO) nanoparticles at concentrations of 0%, 5%, and 10% w/w via electrospinning for periodontal tissue engineering. The impact of photocrosslinking on these scaffolds was evaluated by comparing crosslinked (C) and non-crosslinked (NC) versions. Methods included Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for fiber morphology/diameters, and assessments of swelling capacity, degradation profile, and biomechanical properties. Biological evaluations with alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells (aBMSCs) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) encompassed tests for cell viability, mineralized nodule deposition (MND), and collagen production (CP). Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis or ANOVA/post-hoc tests (α = 5%). Results indicate that C scaffolds had larger fiber diameters (~250 nm) compared with NC scaffolds (~150 nm). NC scaffolds exhibited higher swelling capacities than C scaffolds, while both types demonstrated significant mass loss (~50%) after 60 days (p < 0.05). C scaffolds containing CeO showed increased Young's modulus and tensile strength than NC scaffolds. Cells cultured on C scaffolds with 10% CeO exhibited significantly higher metabolic activity (>400%, p < 0.05) after 7 days among all groups. Furthermore, CeO-containing scaffolds promoted enhanced MND by aBMSCs (>120%, p < 0.05) and increased CP in 5% CeO scaffolds for both variants (>180%, p < 0.05). These findings underscore the promising biomechanical properties, biodegradability, cytocompatibility, and enhanced tissue regenerative potential of CeO-loaded GelMA/PCL scaffolds for periodontal applications.

Strategies of functionalized GelMA-based bioinks for bone regeneration: Recent advances and future perspectives

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels is a widely used bioink because of its good biological properties and tunable physicochemical properties, which has been widely used in a variety of tissue engineering and tissue regeneration. However, pure GelMA is limited by the weak mechanical strength and the lack of continuous osteogenic induction environment, which is difficult to meet the needs of bone repair. Moreover, GelMA hydrogels are unable to respond to complex stimuli and therefore are unable to adapt to physiological and pathological microenvironments. This review focused on the functionalization strategies of GelMA hydrogel based bioinks for bone regeneration. The synthesis process of GelMA hydrogel was described in details, and various functional methods to meet the requirements of bone regeneration, including mechanical strength, porosity, vascularization, osteogenic differentiation, and immunoregulation for patient specific repair, etc. In addition, the response strategies of smart GelMA-based bioinks to external physical stimulation and internal pathological microenvironment stimulation, as well as the functionalization strategies of GelMA hydrogel to achieve both disease treatment and bone regeneration in the presence of various common diseases (such as inflammation, infection, tumor) are also briefly reviewed. Finally, we emphasized the current challenges and possible exploration directions of GelMA-based bioinks for bone regeneration.

3D-Bioprinted Gelatin Methacryloyl-Strontium-Doped Hydroxyapatite Composite Hydrogels Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Regeneration

New gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-strontium-doped nanosize hydroxyapatite (SrHA) composite hydrogel scaffolds were developed using UV photo-crosslinking and 3D printing for bone tissue regeneration, with the controlled delivery capacity of strontium (Sr). While Sr is an effective anti-osteoporotic agent with both anti-resorptive and anabolic properties, it has several important side effects when systemic administration is applied. Multi-layer composite scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration were developed based on the digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing technique through the photopolymerization of GelMA. The chemical, morphological, and biocompatibility properties of these scaffolds were investigated. The composite gels were shown to be suitable for 3D printing. In vitro cell culture showed that osteoblasts can adhere and proliferate on the surface of the hydrogel, indicating that the GelMA-SrHA hydrogel has good cell viability and biocompatibility. The GelMA-SrHA composites are promising 3D-printed scaffolds for bone repair.

Extracellular Vesicles and Hydrogels: An Innovative Approach to Tissue Regeneration

Extracellular vesicles have emerged as promising tools in regenerative medicine due to their inherent ability to facilitate intercellular communication and modulate cellular functions. These nanosized vesicles transport bioactive molecules, such as proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which can affect the behavior of recipient cells and promote tissue regeneration. However, the therapeutic application of these vesicles is frequently constrained by their rapid clearance from the body and inability to maintain a sustained presence at the injury site. In order to overcome these obstacles, hydrogels have been used as extracellular vesicle delivery vehicles, providing a localized and controlled release system that improves their therapeutic efficacy. This Review will examine the role of extracellular vesicle-loaded hydrogels in tissue regeneration, discussing potential applications, current challenges, and future directions. We will investigate the origins, composition, and characterization techniques of extracellular vesicles, focusing on recent advances in exosome profiling and the role of machine learning in this field. In addition, we will investigate the properties of hydrogels that make them ideal extracellular vesicle carriers. Recent studies utilizing this combination for tissue regeneration will be highlighted, providing a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape and potential future directions.

Hydrogel Breakthroughs in Biomedicine: Recent Advances and Implications

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to present a succinct summary of the latest advancements in the utilization of hydrogels for diverse biomedical applications, with a particular focus on their revolutionary impact in augmenting the delivery of drugs, tissue engineering, along with diagnostic methodologies.

METHODS

Using a meticulous examination of current literary works, this review systematically scrutinizes the nascent patterns in applying hydrogels for biomedical progress, condensing crucial discoveries to offer a comprehensive outlook on their ever-changing importance.

RESULTS

The analysis presents compelling evidence regarding the growing importance of hydrogels in biomedicine. It highlights their potential to significantly enhance drug delivery accuracy, redefine tissue engineering strategies, and advance diagnostic techniques. This substantiates their position as a fundamental element in the progress of modern medicine.

CONCLUSION

In summary, the constantly evolving advancement of hydrogel applications in biomedicine calls for ongoing investigation and resources, given their diverse contributions that can revolutionize therapeutic approaches and diagnostic methods, thereby paving the way for improved patient well-being.

Injectable Methacrylated Gelatin Hydrogel for Safe Sodium Hypochlorite Delivery in Endodontics

Keeping sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) within the root canal is challenging in regenerative endodontics. In this study, we developed a drug delivery system using a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel incorporated with aluminosilicate clay nanotubes (HNTs) loaded with NaOCl. Pure GelMA, pure HNTs, and NaOCl-loaded HNTs carrying varying concentrations were assessed for chemo-mechanical properties, degradability, swelling capacity, cytocompatibility, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, and in vivo for inflammatory response and degradation. SEM images revealed consistent pore sizes of 70-80 µm for all samples, irrespective of the HNT and NaOCl concentration, while HNT-loaded hydrogels exhibited rougher surfaces. The hydrogel's compressive modulus remained between 100 and 200 kPa, with no significant variations. All hydrogels demonstrated a 6-7-fold mass increase and complete degradation by the seventh day. Despite an initial decrease in cell viability, all groups recovered to 65-80% compared to the control. Regarding antibacterial and antibiofilm properties, 12.5 HNT(Double) showed the highest inhibition zone on agar plates and the most significant reduction in biofilm compared to other groups. In vivo, the 12.5 HNT(Double) group displayed partial degradation after 21 days, with mild localized inflammatory responses but no tissue necrosis. In conclusion, the HNT-NaOCl-loaded GelMA hydrogel retains the disinfectant properties, providing a safer option for endodontic procedures without harmful potential.

Nanoscale β-TCP-Laden GelMA/PCL Composite Membrane for Guided Bone Regeneration

Major advances in the field of periodontal tissue engineering have favored the fabrication of biodegradable membranes with tunable physical and biological properties for guided bone regeneration (GBR). Herein, we engineered innovative nanoscale beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)-laden gelatin methacryloyl/polycaprolactone (GelMA/PCL-TCP) photocrosslinkable composite fibrous membranes via electrospinning. Chemo-morphological findings showed that the composite microfibers had a uniform porous network and β-TCP particles successfully integrated within the fibers. Compared with pure PCL and GelMA/PCL, GelMA/PCL-TCP membranes led to increased cell attachment, proliferation, mineralization, and osteogenic gene expression in alveolar bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells (aBMSCs). Moreover, our GelMA/PCL-TCP membrane was able to promote robust bone regeneration in rat calvarial critical-size defects, showing remarkable osteogenesis compared to PCL and GelMA/PCL groups. Altogether, the GelMA/PCL-TCP composite fibrous membrane promoted osteogenic differentiation of aBMSCs in vitro and pronounced bone formation in vivo. Our data confirmed that the electrospun GelMA/PCL-TCP composite has a strong potential as a promising membrane for guided bone regeneration.

Synthesis and characterization of calcium-releasing elastomeric resin-based endodontic sealers

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) loaded with one of two calcium sources (i.e., calcium hydroxide/CaOH2 or beta-tricalcium phosphate/β-TCP) on the physicochemical and biological properties of an experimental resin-based dual-cured endodontic sealer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HNTs were encapsulated with CaOH2 or β-TCP at 10 wt.%. HNTs containing CaOH2 or β-TCP were added into the experimental sealers at 50 wt.%. The control sealers were the calcium-free HNT-modified resin-based experimental sealer and AH Plus™, a commercially available endodontic sealer. Degree of conversion, setting time, flow, film thickness, radiopacity, dimensional stability, and calcium ions release were determined. Antibiofilm properties and cytocompatibility of the formulated sealers and commercial control were also evaluated. One and two-way ANOVA analysis followed by Tukey's post hoc test was conducted to evaluate the effect of the independent variable on the evaluated properties.

RESULTS

FTIR confirmed the encapsulation of calcium sources into HNTs. Regarding flow and film thickness, the values obtained from these sealers were in accordance with the specifications provided by ISO 6876. For radiopacity, AH Plus™ achieved the highest radiopacity (p<0.05). Among the experimental formulations, all experimental HNT-containing compositions exhibited values below 3 mm Al. The experimental sealers showed greater dimensional changes when compared to the commercial (AH Plus™) control. The release of calcium ions was observed for the HNT_CaOH2 and HNT_β-TCP sealers without statistical differences. Experimental sealers containing HNT_CaOH2 and HNT_β-TCP significantly reduced the CFU/mL count and showed cell compatibility.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study demonstrate that the incorporation of HNT_CaOH2 or HNT_β-TCP into resin-based experimental sealers promoted antimicrobial effects and gradual calcium release without impairing cytocompatibility or physicochemical properties of the sealers. Still, an adjustment to reach the minimal radiopacity established by ISO 6876 is needed.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The experimental resin-based sealers seemed to be an alternative for endodontics. The incorporation of calcium sources exerts promising antimicrobial effects while displaying low cell toxicity.

Chitosan-Based Smart Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications: Progress and Perspectives

Over the past decade, smart and functional biomaterials have escalated as one of the most rapidly emerging fields in the life sciences because the performance of biomaterials could be improved by careful consideration of their interaction and response with the living systems. Thus, chitosan could play a crucial role in this frontier field because it possesses many beneficial properties, especially in the biomedical field such as excellent biodegradability, hemostatic properties, antibacterial activity, antioxidant properties, biocompatibility, and low toxicity. Furthermore, chitosan is a smart and versatile biopolymer due to its polycationic nature with reactive functional groups that allow the polymer to form many interesting structures or to be modified in various ways to suit the targeted applications. In this review, we provide an up-to-date development of the versatile structures of chitosan-based smart biomaterials such as nanoparticles, hydrogels, nanofibers, and films, as well as their application in the biomedical field. This review also highlights several strategies to enhance biomaterial performance for fast growing fields in biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems, bone scaffolds, wound healing, and dentistry.

Magnetic Microrobots with Folate Targeting for Drug Delivery

Untethered microrobots can be used for cargo delivery (e.g., drug molecules, stem cells, and genes) targeting designated areas. However, it is not enough to just reach the lesion site, as some drugs can only play the best therapeutic effect within the cells. To this end, folic acid (FA) was introduced into microrobots in this work as a key to mediate endocytosis of drugs into cells. The microrobots here were fabricated with biodegradable gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and modified with magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF). The porous structure of MOF and the hydrogel network of polymerized GelMA were used for the loading of enough FA and anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) respectively. Utilizing the magnetic property of magnetic MOF, these microrobots can gather around the lesion site with the navigation of magnetic fields. The combination effects of FA targeting and magnetic navigation substantially improve the anticancer efficiency of these microrobots. The result shows that the cancer cells inhibition rate of microrobots with FA can be up to 93%, while that of the ones without FA was only 78%. The introduction of FA is a useful method to improve the drug transportation ability of microrobots, providing a meaningful reference for further research.

New Methacrylated Biopolymer-Based Hydrogels as Localized Drug Delivery Systems in Skin Cancer Therapy

The aim of the present work was to obtain drug-loaded hydrogels based on combinations of dextran, chitosan/gelatin/xanthan, and poly (acrylamide) as a sustained and controlled release vehicle of Doxorubicin, a drug used in skin cancer therapy that is associated with severe side effects. Hydrogels for use as 3D hydrophilic networks with good manipulation characteristics were produced using methacrylated biopolymer derivatives and the methacrylate group's polymerization with synthetic monomers in the presence of a photo-initiator, under UV light stimulation (365 nm). Transformed infrared spectroscopy analysis (FT-IR) confirmed the hydrogels' network structure (natural-synthetic composition and photocrosslinking), while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the microporous morphology. The hydrogels are swellable in simulated biological fluids and the material's morphology regulates the swelling properties: the maximum swelling degree was obtained for dextran-chitosan-based hydrogels because of their higher porosity and pore distribution. The hydrogels are bioadhesive on a biological simulating membrane, and values for the force of detachment and work of adhesion are recommended for applications on skin tissue. The Doxorubicin was loaded into the hydrogels and the drug was released by diffusion for all the resulting hydrogels, with small contributions from the hydrogel networks' relaxation. Doxorubicin-loaded hydrogels are efficient on keratinocytes tumor cells, the sustained released drug interrupting the cells' division and inducing cell apoptosis; we recommend the obtained materials for the topical treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

Research Advances on Hydrogel-Based Materials for Tissue Regeneration and Remineralization in Tooth

Tissue regeneration and remineralization in teeth is a long-term and complex biological process, including the regeneration of pulp and periodontal tissue, and re-mineralization of dentin, cementum and enamel. Suitable materials are needed to provide cell scaffolds, drug carriers or mineralization in this environment. These materials need to regulate the unique odontogenesis process. Hydrogel-based materials are considered good scaffolds for pulp and periodontal tissue repair in the field of tissue engineering due to their inherent biocompatibility and biodegradability, slow release of drugs, simulation of extracellular matrix, and the ability to provide a mineralized template. The excellent properties of hydrogels make them particularly attractive in the research of tissue regeneration and remineralization in teeth. This paper introduces the latest progress of hydrogel-based materials in pulp and periodontal tissue regeneration and hard tissue mineralization and puts forward prospects for their future application. Overall, this review reveals the application of hydrogel-based materials in tissue regeneration and remineralization in teeth.

Methacrylated Gelatin as an On-Demand Injectable Vehicle for Drug Delivery in Dentistry

Gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible engineered material with significant promise for its applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and 3D bioprinting applications. Gelatin is functionalized with terminal methacrylate groups which allow for its photoinducible crosslinking, and thereby tunable properties. Photocrosslinking of GelMA solution in situ allows for fabrication of hydrogels to fit patient-specific defects. Given its favorable biologic properties, GelMA may be used as a carrier for bioactive substances necessary to induce regenerative phenotypes or augment healing, such as growth factors and biotherapeutics. Gelatin is cleaved by cell-secreted enzymes such that its degradation, and subsequently release of bioactive substances, is well-matched to tissue regeneration processes. GelMA may be mixed with a wide array of additives to enhance and improve the specificity of its biologic activity. Here, we present two protocols for novel fabrications and their uses as clinically relevant drug delivery systems. GelMA hydrogels provides a versatile platform for the development of injectable drug delivery therapeutics for broad applications in regenerative dental medicine.

Nanomaterials-Incorporated Chemically Modified Gelatin Methacryloyl-Based Biomedical Composites: A Novel Approach for Bone Tissue Engineering

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based composites are evolving three-dimensional (3D) networking hydrophilic protein composite scaffolds with high water content. These protein composites have been devoted to biomedical applications due to their unique abilities, such as flexibility, soft structure, versatility, stimuli-responsiveness, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and others. They resemble the native extracellular matrix (ECM) thanks to their remarkable cell-adhesion and matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP)-responsive amino acid motifs. These favorable properties promote cells to proliferate and inflate within GelMA-protein scaffolds. The performance of GelMA composites has been enriched using cell-amenable components, including peptides and proteins with a high affinity to harmonize cellular activities and tissue morphologies. Due to their inimitable merits, GelMA systems have been used in various fields such as drug delivery, biosensor, the food industry, biomedical, and other health sectors. The current knowledge and the role of GelMA scaffolds in bone tissue engineering are limited. The rational design and development of novel nanomaterials-incorporated GelMA-based composites with unique physicochemical and biological advantages would be used to regulate cellular functionality and bone regeneration. Substantial challenges remain. This review focuses on recent progress in mitigating those disputes. The study opens with a brief introduction to bone tissue engineering and GelMA-based composites, followed by their potential applications in bone tissue engineering. The future perspectives and current challenges of GelMA composites are demonstrated. This review would guide the researchers to design and fabricate more efficient multifunctional GelMA-based composites with improved characteristics for their practical applications in bone tissue engineering and biomedical segments.

Regenerating the Dental Pulp-Scaffold Materials and Approaches

Novel technologies and platforms have allowed significant breakthroughs in dental pulp tissue engineering. The development of injectable scaffolds that can be combined with stem cells, growth factors, or other bioactive compounds has enabled the regeneration of functional dental pulps able to secrete dentin in preclinical and clinical studies. Similarly, cell-homing technologies and scaffold-free strategies aim to modulate dental pulp self-regeneration mediated by resident stem cells and can evade some of the technical challenges related to cell-based tissue engineering strategies. This article will discuss emerging technologies and platforms for the clinical applications of dental pulp tissue engineering.

Hydrogels: Properties and Applications in Biomedicine

Hydrogels are crosslinked polymer chains with three-dimensional (3D) network structures, which can absorb relatively large amounts of fluid. Because of the high water content, soft structure, and porosity of hydrogels, they closely resemble living tissues. Research in recent years shows that hydrogels have been applied in various fields, such as agriculture, biomaterials, the food industry, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Along with the underlying technology improvements of hydrogel development, hydrogels can be expected to be applied in more fields. Although not all hydrogels have good biodegradability and biocompatibility, such as synthetic hydrogels (polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide, polyethylene glycol hydrogels, etc.), their biodegradability and biocompatibility can be adjusted by modification of their functional group or incorporation of natural polymers. Hence, scientists are still interested in the biomedical applications of hydrogels due to their creative adjustability for different uses. In this review, we first introduce the basic information of hydrogels, such as structure, classification, and synthesis. Then, we further describe the recent applications of hydrogels in 3D cell cultures, drug delivery, wound dressing, and tissue engineering.