Aluminum-Free Borosilicate Glass Functionalized Hydrogels for Enhanced Dental Tissue Regeneration

Hydrogels are promising scaffolds for tissue regeneration, and borosilicate glass particles have demonstrated potential in enhancing the biological behaviour of dental pulp cells. However, the specific morphological characteristics of dental lesions and the diverse requirements of dental tissues require biocompatible, bioactive, and shapeable scaffolds. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro biological behaviour of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in contact with an experimental aluminum-free borosilicate glass-functionalized hydrogel. Two types of experimental borosilicate glass particles were utilized, with Biodentine^® particles serving as a reference material. The hydrogel, based on poly(L-lysine) dendrimers (DGL) with or without borosilicate particles, was analyzed using micro-computed tomography (µCT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Cytocompatibility was assessed using Live/Dead™ staining, and cell colonization was evaluated via confocal imaging. Additionally, Alizarin red staining was performed to assess mineralization potential after 7 and 14 days. Results indicated that the incorporation of borosilicate particles did not alter hydrogel porosity, while EDX confirmed particle presence on the hydrogel surfaces. Furthermore, the borosilicate-functionalized hydrogels significantly enhanced cell proliferation, colonization, and the content of calcium deposits. These findings highlight the potential of these hydrogels for future clinical applications in dental tissue regeneration, pending further development.