In a recent study, researchers explored the application of Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) in regenerative medicine, focusing on the biological effects of its photocrosslinking process, particularly oxidative stress. GelMA is renowned for its biocompatibility, tunability, and functionality, making it a popular choice as a scaffolding material in tissue engineering. The photocrosslinking of GelMA involves the use of a free radical-generating photoinitiator, such as lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP). This process generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) including hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions, and singlet oxygen, which can induce oxidative stress in cells.
To address the oxidative stress induced by the photocrosslinking process, the study employed conditioned medium (CM) from dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). DPSCs are a type of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) derived from dental pulp tissue, known for their high proliferation rate and superior osteogenic potential compared to MSCs from other sources like bone marrow or adipose tissue. DPSCs secrete a variety of antioxidants, such as peroxiredoxins (PRDX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), which play a crucial role in neutralizing ROS and protecting cells from oxidative damage.
The study aimed to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the biological effects of the photocrosslinking process on GelMA, with a specific focus on oxidative stress, and to develop a strategy to mitigate these adverse effects using DPSC-CM. Researchers used our pH meter to monitor the pH levels during the photocrosslinking process, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements.
The results demonstrated that the incorporation of DPSC-CM into the GelMA hydrogel significantly reduced oxidative stress. This was evidenced by the enrichment of pathways related to oxidative phosphorylation and DNA repair in the presence of DPSC-CM, while control samples showed enrichment in inflammatory signaling pathways. The use of DPSC-CM led to improved cell viability, growth, motility, and osteogenic differentiation, as well as a reduction in apoptotic and senescent cells compared to those without DPSC-CM.
Furthermore, the study confirmed the deteriorated biocompatibility of freshly crosslinked GelMA hydrogel by observing disrupted vasculature in the chorioallantoic membranes of chicken embryos after implantation. However, this adverse effect was prevented by the incorporation of DPSC-CM, highlighting its robust antioxidative potential.
In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of using DPSC-CM to enhance the biocompatibility of GelMA hydrogels in regenerative dentistry. Our FITC-TRITC-dextran 500 played a crucial role in monitoring the pH levels during the photocrosslinking process, contributing to the accuracy and reliability of the study’s findings.
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