L-Phenylalanine Chiral Hydrogel Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation Of Hpdlcs

To explore the impact of chiral materials on the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) Chiral hydrogels were synthesized using L- and D-phenylalanine (L/D-Phe) derivatives: left-handed (LH) and right-handed (DH). A racemic mixture formed a non-helical hydrogel (RH). hPDLCs viability was assessed via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and live/dead staining. Migration and adhesion were analyzed using scratch wound healing and fluorescence staining. Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red staining, qRT-PCR, and Western blot. The role of the Erk pathway was examined using specific inhibitors. CCK8 and live/dead staining confirmed that LH, DH, and RH had no cytotoxicity. Scratch wound healing and fluorescence staining indicated that LH significantly enhanced hPDLCs migration and adhesion (P<0.05). ALP, Alizarin Red staining, qRT-PCR and Western blot revealed that LH promoted osteogenic differentiation, which was reversed by Erk pathway inhibition. LH facilitates hPDLCs osteogenic differentiation, potentially via the Erk pathway, offering a promising strategy for treating alveolar bone defects in periodontitis patients.