Salvianolic acid B functionalized injectable GelMA hydrogel for pulpitis in a vital pulp therapy: a dual anti-inflammatory property and enhanced reparative dentinogenesis activity material

作者：Zongli Li, Dongdong Xu, Xiaoyin Huang · 发表于：BMC Oral Health · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1186/s12903-026-07880-z · 研究领域：Endodontics and Root Canal Treatments、Dental Erosion and Treatment、Dental materials and restorations

BACKGROUND: Vital pulp therapy (VPT) is recognized as a minimally invasive alternative to root canal treatment for teeth with initial and mild to moderate pulpitis. However, effective inflammation control remains a key challenge, as existing pulp capping materials exhibit limited anti-inflammatory efficacy. This study aimed to develop an injectable, photocurable pulp capping material with dual anti-inflammatory and pro-odontogenic functions to improve VPT outcomes for inflamed pulp. METHODS: The Sal B/GelMA composite hydrogel was synthesized and characterized for physicochemical properties, drug release profile, and biodegradation. Its cytocompatibility was assessed using CCK-8 assay, live/dead staining, and cytoskeletal (F-actin) observation. The migration of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) was evaluated via a wound healing assay. In vitro, hDPSCs were cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic an inflammatory environment. The anti-inflammatory effect of Sal B/GelMA hydrogel was evaluated by measuring the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-ɑ. Odontogenic differentiation was assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, alizarin red S staining, and the expression of Runx2, OCN, DMP1, and DSPP. A rat pulpitis model was established for in vivo evaluation. The hydrogel’s ability to alleviate inflammation and stimulate reparative dentin formation was evaluated using micro-CT, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Masson’s trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistr...