Pre-vascularized Hydrogel Pulp Construct for Root Canal Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for dental pulp regeneration in root canal therapy face challenges in achieving immediate vascularization, particularly in adult teeth, as they require time-intensive biological processes and are not suitable for full-length root canals where oxygen delivery is limited.
Innovation Solution
Pre-vascularized, cell-laden hydrogel pulp-like tissue constructs with tunable physical and mechanical properties are injected into root canals, allowing for the formation of endothelial monolayers and angiogenic sprouting, enhancing the regeneration of vascularized dental pulp by creating a favorable microenvironment for cell viability and proliferation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional root canal treatment methods are used with inert synthetic biomaterials, then the procedure is simple and quick, but the biological response of the tooth is lost and vascularization does not occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming vascular channels within the hydrogel scaffold before implantation. Endothelial cells are seeded into these pre-formed channels and allowed to form monolayers in advance, so that when the scaffold is implanted into the root canal, functional vasculature is already present from the onset of the regenerative process, eliminating the need for time-intensive in-situ vascular formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the physical and mechanical properties of the hydrogel scaffold, including its degradation rate, swelling behavior, and elastic modulus. These parameters are tuned to match the native dental pulp tissue and to support cell viability, proliferation, and vascular formation during the regeneration process
2Reliability
If time-intensive biological processes are used for vascular formation, then functional vasculature can be achieved, but the treatment is not suitable for clinical practice in mature teeth with full-length root canals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming vascular channels within the hydrogel scaffold before implantation. Endothelial cells are seeded into these pre-formed channels and allowed to form monolayers in advance, so that when the scaffold is implanted into the root canal, functional vasculature is already present from the onset of the regenerative process, eliminating the need for time-intensive in-situ vascular formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by incorporating a synthetic vascular channel structure as a template within the hydrogel scaffold. This intermediary structure guides endothelial cell organization and accelerates vascular formation, serving as a bridge between the implanted scaffold and the eventual native tissue regeneration
3Ease of operation
If inert synthetic biomaterials are used to replace pulp tissue, then the root canal can be filled immediately, but oxygen delivery and nutrient transport are not restored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining hydrogel matrix material with embedded vascular channels containing endothelial cells. This composite structure provides both the structural filling function needed for immediate root canal closure and the biological functionality for oxygen and nutrient transport through the formed vasculature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous materials by incorporating a network of vascular channels within the hydrogel scaffold. These porous structures allow for fluid flow and transport of oxygen and nutrients throughout the regenerated pulp tissue, while the hydrogel matrix provides structural support and a conducive environment for cell proliferation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for filling a root canal in a tooth. The method includes positioning a fiber in the root canal of the tooth, filling at least a portion of the root canal with an unset hydrogel composition, such that the unset hydrogel composition contacts at least a portion of the fiber, setting the hydrogel composition, thereby forming a set hydrogel, and removing the fiber from the set hydrogel, thereby leaving a channel in the set hydrogel. Methods and kits for repairing teeth are also described.