A critical review of in vitro research methodologies used to study mineralization in human dental pulp cell cultures

Effects of icariin on dental pulp stem cells and its potential applications in dentin repair

OBJECTIVES

As dental pulp therapy evolves towards regenerative approaches, biomolecules such as icariin, derived from Epimedium flowers, are being evaluated for their therapeutic potential. This study investigates icariin's effectiveness in promoting odontogenic differentiation in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) in vitro and as a pulp-capping agent in vivo.

DESIGN

The study explored the effects of icariin on hDPSCs at concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 µM. Cell viability and migration assays were conducted to evaluate cytotoxicity and chemotaxis. Odontogenic differentiation was assessed using alkaline phosphatase staining and alizarin red S (ARS) staining, complemented by real-time PCR and Western blot analyses of key markers such as RUNX family transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). Additionally, the in vivo effects of icariin were tested in a rat maxillary molar model, where icariin-treated collagen sponges were used for direct pulp capping to evaluate its potential to induce reparative dentin formation.

RESULTS

Icariin showed no cytotoxic effects on hDPSCs at any tested concentration, enhanced migratory activity in a dose-dependent manner, and significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition. Gene and protein expression analyses revealed a dose-dependent increase in odontogenic differentiation markers in icariin-treated hDPSCs. In vivo, icariin effectively promoted reparative dentin formation in exposed rat pulp.

CONCLUSIONS

Icariin enhances odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs and has promising potential as a pulp-capping agent for vital pulp therapy.

Assessment of Silver-Copper Co-Loaded Mesoporous Bioactive Glass as an Advanced Pulp-Capping Material

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the multifunctionality of silver-copper co-loaded mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG), with the goal of developing an advanced pulp-capping material.

METHODS

The synthesis of materials was conducted using the sol-gel method, following the approach described in previous studies but with some modifications. The composition included 80 mol% SiO₂, 15 mol% CaO, and 5 mol% P₂O₅, with additional components of 5 mol% silver, 5 mol% copper, or 1 mol% silver combined with 4 mol% copper, designated as Ag5/80S, Cu5/80S, or Ag1Cu4/80S, respectively. Furthermore, crystal phases, surface morphology, and ion-releasing activity were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were employed to assess wound-healing effects, while human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were utilized to evaluate osteogenic effects.

RESULTS

Textural analyses indicated that Ag1Cu4/80S was successfully synthesized using modified procedures, demonstrating comparable ion co-releasing activity. Ag1Cu4/80S exhibited low toxicity and high cell proliferation rates, with a migration rate of 46%, significantly higher than the <10% observed in other groups. In terms of osteogenesis, hDPSCs treated with Ag1Cu4/80S displayed enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, with mineralization levels 1.6-fold greater than those of untreated controls.

CONCLUSION

The synthesis of Ag1Cu4/80S was successfully optimized. This material demonstrated significant wound-healing and comparable osteogenic effects relative to other tested materials, highlighting its potential for dental applications.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ag₁Cu₄/80S demonstrated a comparable effect on osteogenesis, indicating its potential to promote mineralization and suggesting its applicability in dental treatments.

Guidance for evaluating biomaterials' properties and biological potential for dental pulp tissue engineering and regeneration research

BACKGROUND

Dental pulp regeneration is a complex and advancing field that requires biomaterials capable of supporting the pulp's diverse functions, including immune defense, sensory perception, vascularization, and reparative dentinogenesis. Regeneration involves orchestrating the formation of soft connective tissues, neurons, blood vessels, and mineralized structures, necessitating materials with tailored biological and mechanical properties. Numerous biomaterials have entered clinical practice, while others are being developed for tissue engineering applications. The composition and a broad range of material properties, such as surface characteristics, degradation rate, and mechanical strength, significantly influence cellular behavior and tissue outcomes. This underscores the importance of employing robust evaluation methods and ensuring precise and comprehensive reporting of findings to advance research and clinical translation.

AIMS

This article aims to present the biological foundations of dental pulp tissue engineering alongside potential testing methodologies and their advantages and limitations. It provides guidance for developing research protocols to evaluate the properties of biomaterials and their influences on cell and tissue behavior, supporting progress toward effective dental pulp regeneration strategies.

Angiogenic effects of Type 2 diabetes on the dental pulp

Aim

To investigate the influence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hyperglycaemia on blood vessels and angiogenic markers in the dental pulp.

Methodology

Extracted non‐carious permanent molar teeth were collected from patients with well‐controlled T2D (n = 10) and non‐T2D (controls) (n = 10). The pulp was examined qualitatively using haematoxylin and eosin and Van Gieson stains. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) identified the primary receptor for VEGF, VEGFR2, and the endothelial cell marker CD34. Primary human dental pulp cell (hDPC) lines (n = 3) were established from tissue explants and cells were grown in media containing 5.5 mM D‐glucose (control), 12.5 mM (prediabetes) and 25 mM (T2D) D‐glucose under normoxic conditions for 24, 48 and 72 h. Assays for metabolic activity (PrestoBlue) and cell viability (Crystal Violet staining) assessed the hDPC response to hyperglycaemia. The expression of angiogenic genes VEGFA, KDR, FLT‐1, ANGPT1, ANGPT2, TIE1 and TEK were analysed using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. ELISAs were used to quantify the level of expressed protein for VEGFA, ANG1, ANG2, TIE1, and TIE2 in the media. Data analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism and anova tests at p < .05.

Results

Blood vessels in T2D samples had thicker walls and stained strongly for elastin and collagen compared with non‐T2D samples. VEGFR2 protein was not seen in any T2D samples but consistently detected in healthy specimens. Culturing healthy cells in high glucose (25 mM) significantly reduced cell viability at 24 h compared to the control (p = .005) and 12.5 mM glucose (p = .001) but the metabolic activity was not greatly affected by glucose and time. VEGFA mRNA and VEGFA protein expression were detected in the hDPCs in the presence of hyperglycaemia over time; however, the primary receptor, VEGFR2/KDR, was not detected. Genes for the ANG1 and ANG2 and their receptors were expressed at all glucose concentrations but hyperglycaemia upregulated ANG2 mRNA. Proteins for all growth factors were detected in the media however proteins for TIE1 and TIE2 receptors were not.

Conclusion

T2D and hyperglycaemia may impair the angiogenic response in the pulp similar to other body site. The scarcity of VEGFR2 and increased expression of ANG2 in response to hyperglycaemia suggests that VEGF and ANG‐Tie1/Tie2 signalling may be compromised.

DLX6-AS1 regulates odonto/osteogenic differentiation in dental pulp cells under the control of BMP9 via the miR-128-3p/MAPK14 axis: A laboratory investigation

AIM

The regenerative capacity of dental pulp relies on the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of dental pulp cells (DPCs), but dynamic microenvironmental changes hinder the process. Bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) promotes differentiation of DPCs towards an odonto/osteogenic lineage, forming dentinal-like tissue. However, the molecular mechanism underlying its action remains unclear. This study investigates the role of DLX6 antisense RNA 1 (DLX6-AS1) in odonto/osteogenic differentiation induced by BMP9.

METHODOLOGY

Custom RT2 profiler PCR array, quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blots were used to investigate the expression pattern of DLX6-AS1 and its potential signal axis. Osteogenic ability was evaluated using alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red S staining. Interactions between lncRNA and miRNA, as well as miRNA and mRNA, were predicted through bioinformatic assays, which were subsequently validated via RNA immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase reporter assays. Student's t-test or one-way ANOVA with post hoc Tukey HSD tests were employed for data analysis, with a p-value of less than .05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

DLX6-AS1 was upregulated upon BMP9 overexpression in DPCs, thereby promoting odonto/osteogenic differentiation. Additionally, miR-128-3p participated in BMP9-induced odonto/osteogenic differentiation by interacting with the downstream signal MAPK14. Modifying the expression of miR-128-3p and transfecting pcMAPK14/siMAPK14 had a rescue impact on odonto/osteogenic differentiation downstream of DLX6-AS1. Lastly, miR-128-3p directly interacted with both MAPK14 and DLX6-AS1.

CONCLUSIONS

DLX6-AS1 could regulate the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of DPCs under the control of BMP9 through the miR-128-3p/MAPK14 axis.

Anti-inflammatory cerium-containing nano-scaled mesoporous bioactive glass for promoting regenerative capability of dental pulp cells

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and odontoblastic effects of cerium-containing mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Ce-MBGNs) on dental pulp cells as novel pulp-capping agents.

METHODOLOGY

Ce-MBGNs were synthesized using a post-impregnation strategy based on the antioxidant properties of Ce ions and proposed the first use of Ce-MBGNs for pulp-capping application. The biocompatibility of Ce-MBGNs was analysed using the CCK-8 assay and apoptosis detection. Additionally, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging ability of Ce-MBGNs was measured using the 2,7-Dichlorofuorescin Diacetate (DCFH-DA) probe. The anti-inflammatory effect of Ce-MBGNs on THP-1 cells was further investigated using flow cytometry and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Moreover, the effect of Ce-MBGNs on the odontoblastic differentiation of the dental pulp cells (DPCs) was assessed by combined scratch assays, RT-qPCR, western blotting, immunocytochemistry, Alizarin Red S staining and tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase staining. Analytically, the secretions of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Ce-MBGNs were confirmed to effectively scavenge ROS in THP-1-derived macrophages and DPCs. Flow cytometry and RT-qPCR assays revealed that Ce-MBGNs significantly inhibited the M1 polarization of macrophages (Mφ). Furthermore, the protein levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were downregulated in THP-1-derived macrophages after stimulation with Ce-MBGNs. With a step-forward virtue of promoting the odontoblastic differentiation of DPCs, we further confirmed that Ce-MBGNs could regulate the formation of a conductive immune microenvironment with respect to tissue repair in DPCs, which was mediated by macrophages.

CONCLUSIONS

Ce-MBGNs protected cells from self-produced oxidative damage and exhibited excellent immunomodulatory and odontoblastic differentiation effects on DPCs. As a pulp-capping agent, this novel biomaterial can exert anti-inflammatory effects and promote restorative dentine regeneration in clinical treatment. We believe that this study will stimulate further correlative research on the development of advanced pulp-capping agents.

Designing Calcium Silicate Cements with On-Demand Properties for Precision Endodontics

Calcium silicate (C3S) cements are available in kits that do not account for patients' specific needs or clinicians' preferences regarding setting time, radiopacity, mechanical, and handling properties. Moreover, slight variations in powder components and liquid content affect cement's properties and bioactivity. Unfortunately, it is virtually impossible to optimize several cement properties simultaneously via the traditional "one variable at a time" strategy, as inputs often induce trade-offs in properties (e.g., a higher water-to-powder ratio [W/P] increases flowability but decreases mechanical properties). Herein, we used Taguchi's methods and genetic algorithms (GAs) to simultaneously analyze the effect of multiple inputs (e.g., powder composition, radiopacifier concentration, and W/P) on setting time, pH, flowability, diametral tensile strength, and radiopacity, as well as prescribe recipes to produce cements with predicted properties. The properties of cements designed with GAs were experimentally tested, and the results matched the predictions. Finally, we show that the cements increased the genetic expression of odonto/osteogenic genes, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization potential of dental pulp stem cells. Hence, GAs can produce cements with tailor-made properties and differentiation potential for personalized endodontic treatment.

Promotive Effect of FBXO32 on the Odontoblastic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) is crucial for the intricate formation and repair processes in dental pulp. Until now, the literature is not able to demonstrate the role of ubiquitination in the odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs. This study investigated the role of F-box-only protein 32 (FBXO32), an E3 ligase, in the odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs. The mRNA expression profile was obtained from ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-Seq) data and analyzed. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining identify the FBXO32 expression in human dental pulp and hDPSCs. Small-hairpin RNA lentivirus was used for FBXO32 knockdown and overexpression. Odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs was determined via alkaline phosphatase activity, Alizarin Red S staining, and mRNA and protein expression levels were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Furthermore, subcutaneous transplantation in nude mice was performed to evaluate the role of FBXO32 in mineralization in vivo using histological analysis. FBXO32 expression was upregulated in the odontoblast differentiated hDPSCs as evidenced by RNA-Seq data analysis. FBXO32 was detected in hDPSCs and the odontoblast layer of the dental pulp. Increased FBXO32 expression in hDPSCs during odontoblastic differentiation was confirmed. Through lentivirus infection method, FBXO32 downregulation in hDPSCs attenuated odontoblastic differentiation in vitro and in vivo, whereas FBXO32 upregulation promoted the hDPSCs odontoblastic differentiation, without affecting proliferation and migration. This study demonstrated, for the first time, the promotive role of FBXO32 in regulating the odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs, thereby providing novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms during odontoblastic differentiation in hDPSCs.

Multifunctional antibacterial chitosan-based hydrogel coatings on Ti6Al4V biomaterial for biomedical implant applications

Among biomedical community, great efforts have been realized to develop antibacterial coatings that avoid implant-associated infections. To date, conventional mono-functional antibacterial strategies have not been effective enough for successful long-term implantations. Consequently, researchers have recently focused their attention on novel bifunctional or multifunctional antibacterial coatings, in which two or more antibacterial mechanisms interact synergistically. Thus, in this work different chitosan-based (CHI) hydrogel coatings were created on Ti6Al4V surface using genipin (Ti-CHIGP) and polyethylene glycol (Ti-CHIPEG) crosslinking agents. Hydrogel coatings demonstrated an exceptional in vivo biocompatibility plus a remarkable ability to promote cell proliferation and differentiation. Lastly, hydrogel coatings demonstrated an outstanding bacteria-repelling (17-28 % of S. aureus and 33-43 % of E. coli repelled) and contact killing (186-222 % of S. aureus and 72-83 % of E. coli damaged) ability. Such bifunctional antibacterial activity could be further improved by the controlled release of drugs resulting in powerful multifunctional antibacterial coatings.

Genome wide analysis of dexamethasone stimulated mineralization in human dental pulp cells by RNA sequencing

Human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) contain mesenchymal stem cells and are therefore indispensible for reparative dentin formation. Here, we present a pilot study of transcriptomic profiles of mineralized hDPCs isolated from sound human maxillary third molars. We observed altered gene expression of hDPCs between control (dexamethasone free) and experimental (dexamethasone 1 nm) groups. Differential expression analysis revealed up-regulation of several inflammation and mineralization-related genes in the experimental group. After a Gene Ontology analysis for predicting genes involved in biological process, cellular component and molecular function, we found enrichment of genes related to protein binding. Based on the results of Kyoto Encylopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis, it is suggested up-regulated genes in mineralized hDPCs were mostly enriched in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, fluid shear stress and the atherosclerosis signaling pathway, etc. Importantly, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed dexamethasone was positively related to the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription, MAPK and Notch signaling pathway. Moreover, it was suggested that dexamethasone regulates signaling pathway in pluripotency of stem cells. Collectively, our work highlights transcriptome level gene regulation and intercellular interactions in mineralized hDPCs. The database produced in the present study paves the way for further investigations looking to explore genes that are involved in dental pulp cells mineralization.

A Cell Culture Method for the Isolation and Study of Primary Human Dental Pulp Cells

Primary human dental pulp cell (HDPC) cultures contain dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) populations. DPSCs are multipotent mesenchymal cells residing inside the dental pulp where they can contribute to the regenerative potential of this and other tissues throughout the body. These cells are promising tools for cell-based therapies, including regenerative endodontic procedures. HDPCs can be readily isolated and expanded from extracted teeth either by the dental tissue explant method or enzymatic digestion method. This chapter describes the explant method, whereby cells outgrow from dissected pulp tissue, to generate HDPC cultures. We also provide protocols for HDPC passaging, cryopreservation, and basic immunocytochemical characterization.

BACH1 regulates the proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells

Background

The preservation of biological and physiological vitality as well as the formation of dentin are among the main tasks of human dental pulp for a life time. Odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) exhibits the capacity of dental pulp regeneration and dentin complex rebuilding. Exploration of the mechanisms regulating differentiation and proliferation of hDPSCs may help to investigate potential clinical applications. BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1) is a transcription repressor engaged in the regulation of multiple cellular functions. This study aimed to investigate the effects of BACH1 on the proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs in vitro.

Methods

hDPSCs and pulpal tissues were obtained from extracted human premolars or third molars. The distribution of BACH1 was detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein expression of BACH1 were examined by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. BACH1 expression was regulated by stable lentivirus-mediated transfection. Cell proliferation and cell cycle were assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay and flow cytometry. The expression of mineralization markers, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and alizarin red S staining were conducted to assess the odontoblastic differentiation ability.

Results

BACH1 expression was stronger in the odontoblast layer than in the cell rich zone. The total and nuclear protein level of BACH1 during odontoblastic differentiation was downregulated initially and then upregulated gradually. Knockdown of BACH1 greatly inhibited cell proliferation, arrested cell cycle, upregulated the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression and attenuated ALP activity, decreased calcium deposits and downregulated the expression of mineralization markers. Treatment of Tin-protoporphyrin IX, an HO-1 inhibitor, failed to rescue the impaired odonto/osteogenic differentiation capacity. Overexpression of BACH1 increased cell proliferation, ALP activity and the expression of mineralization markers.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that BACH1 is an important regulator of the proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs in vitro. Manipulation of BACH1 expression may provide an opportunity to promote the regenerative capacity of hDPSCs.

Metformin suppresses Oxidative Stress induced by High Glucose via Activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway in Type 2 Diabetic Osteoporosis

BACKGROUND

Metformin (MET) is widely used as a first-line hypoglycemic agent for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and was also confirmed to have a therapeutic effect on type 2 diabetic osteoporosis (T2DOP). However, the potential mechanisms of MET in the treatment of T2DOP are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the effect of MET in T2DOP and to explore the potential mechanism of MET in the treatment of T2DOP.

METHODS

In vitro, we used MC3T3-E1 cells to study the effects of MET on osteogenic differentiation and anti-oxidative stress injury in a high glucose (Glucose 25 mM) environment. In vivo, we directly used db/db mice as a T2DOP model and assessed the osteoprotective effects of MET by Micro CT and histological analysis.

RESULTS

In vitro, we found that MET increased ALP activity in MC3T3-E1 cells in a high-glucose environment, promoted the formation of bone mineralized nodules, and upregulated the expression of the osteogenesis-related transcription factors RUNX2, Osterix, and COL1A1-related genes. In addition, MET was able to reduce high glucose-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. In studies on the underlying mechanisms, we found that MET activated the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and alleviated high-glucose-induced oxidative stress injury. In vivo results showed that MET reduced bone loss and bone microarchitecture destruction in db/db mice.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that MET can activate the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to regulate the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation induced by high glucose thereby protecting T2DOP.

Potentiality and Inflammatory Marker Expression Are Maintained in Dental Pulp Cell Cultures from Carious Teeth

OBJECTIVES

This investigation aimed to isolate and culture human dental pulp cells from carious teeth (cHDPCs) and compare their growth characteristics, colony-forming efficiency, mineralization potential and gene expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR)-2, TLR-4, TLR-9, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, 1L-17R, IL-23A, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK1), dentin matrix protein (DMP)-1, dentin sialophospho protein (DSPP), sex determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) and marker of proliferation Ki-67 (MKi67) with cells isolated from healthy or non-carious teeth (ncHDPCs).

METHODS

Pulp tissues were obtained from both healthy and carious teeth (n = 5, each) to generate primary cell lines using the explant culture technique. Cell cultures studies were undertaken by generating growth curves, a colony forming unit and a mineralization assay analysis. The expression of vimentin was assessed using immunocytochemistry (ICC), and the gene expression of above-mentioned genes was determined using quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

ncHDPCs and cHDPCs were successfully isolated and cultured from healthy and inflamed human dental pulp tissue. At passage 4, both HDPC types demonstrated a typical spindle morphology with positive vimentin expression. No statistical difference was observed between ncHDPCs and cHDPCs in their growth characteristics or ability to differentiate into a mineralizing phenotype. ncHDPCs showed a statistically significant higher colony forming efficiency than cHDPCs. The gene expression levels of TLR-2, TLR-4, TLR-9, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17R, IL-23A, NF-κB, MAPK1, DMP1, DSPP and SOX2 were significantly higher in cHDPCs compared with ncHDPC cultures.

CONCLUSION

cHDPCs retain their differentiation potential and inflammatory phenotype in vitro. The inflamed tooth pulp contains viable stem/progenitor cell populations which have the potential for expansion, proliferation and differentiation into a mineralizing lineage, similar to cells obtained from healthy pulp tissue. These findings have positive implications for regenerative endodontic procedures.

Calcium Phosphate Cement Promotes Odontoblastic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

In the case of pulp injury, odontoblastic differentiation of dental pulp cells (DPCs) at the site of the exposed pulp is necessary for a successful direct pulp capping treatment. Calcium phosphate cement (CPC), a kind of hydroxyapatite-like bone cement, exhibits therapeutic potential in osteogenesis by regulating cell cycle progression and promoting osteoblastic differentiation. Based on the similar biological process of osteo/odontoblastic differentiation, the present study evaluated the effects of CPC on odontoblastic differentiation of DPCs in vitro and in vivo, respectively. The morphology of CPC was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Colony-forming units were used to assess the antibacterial activity. The effects of CPC on cell proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) were also measured. Histological staining was performed to observe the reparative dentin formation in rat molars. In vitro, results of antibacterial studies showed that CPC significantly inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mutans. The appropriate concentration of CPC extract showed low cytotoxicity on hDPCs. Furthermore, CPC extract also promoted odontoblastic differentiation and mineralization compared with the control group, as shown by a dynamic increase in the expression of odontogenic marker genes and the increased number of mineralized nodules at 21 days. The pulpotomy models with CPC facilitated the formation of dentin bridge with the highly expressed dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) in odontoblast-like cells. In conclusion, the favorable biocompatibility, antibacterial property and bio-inductivity of CPC suggest that CPC can be used as a promising direct pulp capping material.