Photocurable hydrogel containing MOF nanoenzymes for comprehensive pulpitis treatment: antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic actions

Maintaining the vitality of the dental pulp tissue is the core therapeutic objective in treating reversible pulpitis, with the key being the achievement of a biological balance in the pulp microenvironment. However, the materials currently used in clinical practice still have critical limitations, including low penetration efficiency of antimicrobial agents, poor anti-inflammatory effects, and a lack of effective strategies to promote functional dentin regeneration. These factors restrict the therapeutic efficacy of pulp vitality preservation treatments. In this study, by constructing a composite of Metal-Organic Framework (MOF@Cr-Al) and methacrylated gelatin (GelMA), we have developed a photo-curable multifunctional hydrogel (GelMA-MOF@Cr-Al) with potential for clinical translation. The MOF@Cr-Al exhibits strong reactive oxygen species scavenging ability and broad-spectrum antibacterial effects. The photo-responsive rapid cross-linking properties of the GelMA hydrogel provide adaptability for clinical operations, and its three-dimensional network structure can sustainably regulate the release of metal ions. In the pulpitis animal experiment, GelMA-MOF@Cr-Al significantly alleviated inflammation and effectively promoted the formation of orderly reparative dentin. Overall, this multifunctional hydrogel provides an extremely innovative solution for pulp vitality preservation.