Curcumin-loaded hayaluronic acid nanohydrogels as promising  scaffolds for odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells  

Introduction. Periodontitis can result in progressive damage of periodontal tissues which  support the tooth. Developing novel biomaterials in dental regeneration has markedly enhanced the current treatment opportunities. The present investigation evaluated the  curcumin loaded hyaluronic acid hydrogels as promising scaffolds for odontogenic tissue  engineering.  

Methods. The scaffolds were prepared through anti solvent method, and then the  physicochemical specification and the cytotoxic effects and differentiation of dental pulp stem cells were determined. 

Results. The nano-scaffolds were successfully synthetized with a mono-dispersed nano scale diameter (290.10 nm), negative surface charge and uniform network-shaped  morphology. Human dental pulp stem cells were harvested on the developed nanoscafolds. Nanoscafolds exhibited a significant proliferative effect and induced the differentiation of the  stem cells.  

Conclusion. The incorporation of different compounds to nano-scaffolds such as curcumin not only increases the physiochemical properties of scaffolds in stem cell proliferation and  differentiation but also might exert anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.