Development and Characterization of Hydrogel in Flower format for Potential application in Pulp Regeneration Therapy

• Grant number: 25/10115-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Endodontics
• Principal Investigator: Alice Corrêa Silva Sousa
• Grantee: Anna Clara Borges da Cruz
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Pulp lesions resulting from carious processes or trauma often progress to tissue necrosis, requiring endodontic treatment. Although effective in eliminating infection,this procedure does not restore the biological function of the dental pulp. In this context, tissue engineering hasemerged as a promising approach for the functional regeneration of the dentin-pulp complex. This project proposes the development and characterization of two bioactive hydrogels, with distinct compositions, molded into a biomimetic flower shape, using the photopolymerizable biomaterial MatriXpec Photo (TissueLabs), derived from decellularized extracellular matrix. The physicochemical characterization of the hydrogels will include the evaluation of elastic modulus and water absorption capacity. Surface morphology and elemental composition will be assessed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), while internal structure analysis will be performed using micro-computed tomography (MicroCT). Biological evaluation will be conducted using hMSCs, and will include cell viabilityassays (MTT) and cytotoxicity (LDH release). Additionally, the mineralization potential of the biomaterials will be investigated. With this study, it is expected to contribute to the advancement of innovative strategies in regenerative endodontics, providing evidence regarding the efficacy and functionality of biomaterials with nature-inspired architecture and properties favorable to tissue regeneration.