Biomaterials to biofabrication: advanced scaffold technologies for regenerative endodontics

Dec 11, 2025Biomedical physics & engineering express

Advanced scaffold materials and methods for tooth root tissue regeneration

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Regenerative Health on OpenScience ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Abstract

Scaffold systems are essential for regenerative endodontics, serving as frameworks and delivery vehicles for vital bioactive cues.

Scaffolds are categorized into natural, synthetic, and hybrid types, each with distinct mechanical and biological characteristics.
Advancements in nanotechnology and bioprinting have enhanced scaffold capabilities for tissue regeneration.
Smart scaffolds can control the release of growth factors and antimicrobial agents, aiding in processes like blood vessel formation and infection management.
Hybrid scaffolds, such as those made from collagen and gelatin methacryloyl, are designed for improved degradation and mechanical properties.
Clinically effective materials like platelet-rich fibrin and concentrated growth factor have been linked to enhanced root development and healing.
Challenges include regulatory issues, the need for standardized protocols, and the necessity for long-term validation of clinical outcomes.

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Scaffold systems are fundamental to regenerative endodontics, functioning as structural frameworks and delivery vehicles for bioactive cues essential to tissue regeneration. This review comprehensively examines scaffold types, functions, and translational challenges in endodontic regeneration. Scaffolds are classified into natural, synthetic, and hybrid matrices with unique mechanical and biological profiles. Advances in nanotechnology, 3D and 4D bioprinting, and smart biomaterials have significantly improved scaffold functionality. Smart scaffolds enable the controlled release of growth factors, antimicrobial agents, and gene-functionalized molecules, facilitating angiogenesis, stem cell differentiation, and infection control. Hybrid scaffolds, such as those combining collagen and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), provide customized degradation, biocompatibility, and mechanical strength. Innovative systems such as magnetic nanoparticle-triggered release and responsive hydrogels address vascularization and immune modulation limitations. Clinically, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), concentrated growth factor (CGF), and decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) have shown success in promoting root development, pulp vitality, and periapical healing. Despite these advances, obstacles remain, including regulatory hurdles, standardization of protocols, and long-term clinical validation. Integrating AI-driven scaffold design, digital twin simulations, and organ-on-chip models holds promise for personalized therapies. Establishing scaffold-based regeneration as a standard clinical approach will require harmonized practices, scalable biomaterial production, and robust clinical outcome assessments.

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Biomaterials to biofabrication: advanced scaffold technologies for regenerative endodontics

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