Fully synthetic human combinatorial antibody libraries (HuCAL) based on modular consensus frameworks and CDRs randomized with trinucleotides

By analyzing the human antibody repertoire in terms of structure, amino acid sequence diversity and germline usage, we found that seven V(H) and seven V(L) (four Vkappa and three Vlambda) germline families cover more than 95 % of the human antibody diversity used. A consensus sequence was derived for each family and optimized for expression in Escherichia coli. In order to make all six complementarity determining regions (CDRs) accessible for diversification, the synthetic genes were designed to be modular and mutually compatible by introducing unique restriction endonuclease sites flanking the CDRs. Molecular modeling verified that all canonical classes were present. We could show that all master genes are expressed as soluble proteins in the periplasm of E. coli. A first set of antibody phage display libraries totalling 2x10(9) members was created after cloning the genes in all 49 combinations into a phagemid vector, itself devoid of the restriction sites in question. Diversity was created by replacing the V(H) and V(L) CDR3 regions of the master genes by CDR3 library cassettes, generated from mixed trinucleotides and biased towards natural human antibody CDR3 sequences. The sequencing of 257 members of the unselected libraries indicated that the frequency of correct and thus potentially functional sequences was 61 %. Selection experiments against many antigens yielded a diverse set of binders with high affinities. Due to the modular design of all master genes, either single binders or even pools of binders can now be rapidly optimized without knowledge of the particular sequence, using pre-built CDR cassette libraries. The small number of 49 master genes will allow future improvements to be incorporated quickly, and the separation of the frameworks may help in analyzing why nature has evolved these distinct subfamilies of antibody germline genes.

Trinucleotide phosphoramidites: ideal reagents for the synthesis of mixed oligonucleotides for random mutagenesis

Trinucleotide phosphoramidites representing codons for all 20 amino acids have been prepared and used in automated, solid-phase DNA synthesis. In contrast to an earlier report, we show that these substances can be used to introduce entire codons into oligonucleotides in excess of 98% yield, and are ideal reagents for the synthesis of mixed oligonucleotides for random mutagenesis.

Organization of NMDA receptors at extrasynaptic locations

NMDA receptors are found in neurons both at synapses and in extrasynaptic locations. Extrasynaptic locations are poorly characterized. Here we used preembedding immunoperoxidase and postembedding immunogold electron microscopy and fluorescence light microscopy to characterize extrasynaptic NMDA receptor locations in dissociated hippocampal neurons in vitro and in the adult and postnatal hippocampus in vivo. We found that extrasynaptic NMDA receptors on neurons in vivo and in vitro were usually concentrated at points of contact with adjacent processes, which were mainly axons, axon terminals, or glia. Many of these contacts were shown to contain adhesion factors such as cadherin and catenin. We also found associations of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors with the membrane associated guanylate kinase (MAGUKs), postsynaptic density (PSD)-95 and SAP102. Developmental differences were also observed. At postnatal day 2 in vivo, extrasynaptic NMDA receptors could often be found at sites with distinct densities whereas dense material was seen only rarely at sites of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors in the adult hippocampus in vivo. This difference probably indicates that many sites of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors in early postnatal ages represent synapse formation or possibly sites for synapse elimination. At all ages, as suggested in both in vivo and in vitro studies, extrasynaptic NMDA receptors on dendrites or the sides of spines may form complexes with other proteins, in many cases, at stable associations with adjacent cell processes. These associations may facilitate unique functions for extrasynaptic NMDA receptors.

Flow residence time and regions of intraluminal thrombus deposition in intracranial aneurysms

Thrombus formation in intracranial aneurysms, while sometimes stabilizing lesion growth, can present additional risk of thrombo-embolism. The role of hemodynamics in the progression of aneurysmal disease can be elucidated by patient-specific computational modeling. In our previous work, patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were constructed from MRI data for three patients who had fusiform basilar aneurysms that were thrombus-free and then proceeded to develop intraluminal thrombus. In this study, we investigated the effect of increased flow residence time (RT) by modeling passive scalar advection in the same aneurysmal geometries. Non-Newtonian pulsatile flow simulations were carried out in base-line geometries and a new postprocessing technique, referred to as "virtual ink" and based on the passive scalar distribution maps, was used to visualize the flow and estimate the flow RT. The virtual ink technique clearly depicted regions of flow separation. The flow RT at different locations adjacent to aneurysmal walls was calculated as the time the virtual ink scalar remained above a threshold value. The RT values obtained in different areas were then correlated with the location of intra-aneurysmal thrombus observed at a follow-up MR study. For each patient, the wall shear stress (WSS) distribution was also obtained from CFD simulations and correlated with thrombus location. The correlation analysis determined a significant relationship between regions where CFD predicted either an increased RT or low WSS and the regions where thrombus deposition was observed to occur in vivo. A model including both low WSS and increased RT predicted thrombus-prone regions significantly better than the models with RT or WSS alone.

Clinical characteristics of non-critically ill patients with novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in a Fangcang Hospital

OBJECTIVES

To describe the clinical characteristics of patients in a Fangcang Hospital.

METHODS

Non-critically ill individuals with positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests admitted between 7 February and 12 February 2020 to Dongxihu Fangcang Hospital, which was promptly constructed because of the rapid, exponential increase in COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China, were included; clinical course through to 22 February was recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 1012 non-critically ill individuals with positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests were included in the study. Thirty (of 1012, 3.0%) individuals were asymptomatic on admission. During hospitalization, 16 of 30 (53.3%) asymptomatic individuals developed different symptoms. Fourteen of 1012 patients (1.4%) remained asymptomatic from exposure to the end of follow up, with a median duration of 24 days (interquartile range 22-27). Fever (761 of 1012, 75.2%) and cough (531 of 1012, 52.4%) were the most common symptoms. Small patchy opacities (355 of 917, 38.7%) and ground-glass opacities (508 of 917, 55.4%) were common imaging manifestations in chest CT scans. One hundred patients (9.9%) were transferred to designated hospitals due to aggravation of illness. Diarrhoea emerged in 152 of 1012 patients (15.0%). Male, older age, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chills, dyspnoea, So2 value of ≤93%, white blood cell counts of >10 × 109/L and large consolidated opacities on CT images were all risk factors for aggravation of illness.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-critically ill individuals had different clinical characteristics from critically ill individuals. Asymptomatic infections only accounted for a small proportion of COVID-19. Although with a low incidence, diarrhoea was observed in patients with COVID-19, indicating the possibility of faecal-oral transmission.

Giant-cell tumour of bone. The long-term results of treatment by curettage and bone graft

Giant-cell tumour of bone (GCT) is a locally benign aggressive tumour. The use of adjuvant agents, such as phenol or liquid nitrogen has been recommended to destroy the remaining tumour cells after curettage, and filling of the defect with methylmethacrylate cement has been advocated. Between 1957 and 1992 we treated 92 patients with a GCT with 50% aqueous zinc chloride solution and bone grafting. Their mean age at the time of surgery was 31 years (15 to 59) and the mean follow-up was 11 years (5 to 31). Twelve (13%) had a local recurrence and one had a wound infection. Two developed degenerative changes around the knee. Eighty-six (93%) achieved good or excellent function. Three had moderate function, and three needed amputation. Our findings indicate that treatment with an aqueous solution of zinc chloride and reconstructive bone grafting after curettage gives good results.

Treatment of bifurcation lesions with two stents: one year angiographic and clinical follow up of crush versus T stenting

OBJECTIVES

To compare long term outcomes of the crush versus the T technique in bifurcation lesions.

DESIGN

182 consecutive patients were identified who underwent percutaneous coronary interventions for bifurcation lesions with drug eluting stents between April 2002 and January 2004. Two techniques were used according to the operator's discretion: crush (group C, n = 121) or T (group T, n = 61).

RESULTS

In-hospital outcome differed significantly between the two groups. Angiographic follow up was available for 142 (78%) patients. Groups C and T did not differ significantly regarding late loss (0.42 (0.39) mm v 0.34 (0.35) mm, p = 0.52) and rate of restenosis (16.2% v 13.0%, p = 0.80) in both the main and the side branch without final kissing balloon post-dilatation. However, when final kissing balloon post-dilatation was performed, group C had significantly lower late lumen loss (0.23 (0.21) mm v 0.37 (0.33) mm, p = 0.02) and restenosis rate (8.6% v 26.5%, p = 0.04) in the side branch. At one year's clinical follow up, group C compared with group T had lower rates of target lesion revascularisation (14.0% v 31.1%, p = 0.01) and target vessel revascularisation (16.5% v 32.8%, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In non-selected bifurcation lesions treated with drug eluting stents, the restenosis rate remains relatively high in the side branch. Compared with the T stenting technique, crush stenting with kissing balloon post-dilatation is associated with a reduced rate of restenosis in the side branch.

Selectively-infective phage (SIP): a mechanistic dissection of a novel in vivo selection for protein-ligand interactions

Selectively-infective phage (SIP) is a novel methodology for the in vivo selection of interacting protein-ligand pairs. It consists of two components, (1) a phage particle made non-infective by replacing its N-terminal domains of geneIII protein (gIIIp) with a ligand-binding protein, and (2) an "adapter" molecule in which the ligand is linked to those N-terminal domains of gIIIp which are missing from the phage particle. Infectivity is restored when the displayed protein binds to the ligand and thereby attaches the missing N-terminal domains of gIIIp to the phage particle. Phage propagation is thus strictly dependent on the protein-ligand interaction. We have shown that the insertion of beta-lactamase into different positions of gIIIp, mimicking the insertion of a protein-ligand pair, led to highly infective phage particles. Any phages lacking the first N-terminal domain were not infective at all. In contrast, those lacking only the second N-terminal domain showed low infectivity irrespective of the presence or absence of the F-pilus on the recipient cell, which could be enhanced by addition of calcium. An anti-fluorescein scFv antibody and its antigen fluorescein were examined as a protein-ligand model system for SIP experiments. Adapter molecules, synthesized by chemical coupling of fluorescein to the purified N-terminal domains, were mixed with non-infective anti-fluorescein scFv-displaying phages. Infection events were strictly dependent on fluorescein being coupled to the N-terminal domains and showed a strong dependence on the adapter concentration. Up to 10(6) antigen-specific events could be obtained from 10(10) input phages, compared to only one antigen-independent event. Since no separation of binders and non-binders is necessary, SIP is promising as a rapid procedure to select for high affinity interactions.

Bosonic Condensation and Disorder-Induced Localization in a Flat Band

We report on the engineering of a nondispersive (flat) energy band in a geometrically frustrated lattice of micropillar optical cavities. By taking advantage of the non-Hermitian nature of our system, we achieve bosonic condensation of exciton polaritons into the flat band. Because of the infinite effective mass in such a band, the condensate is highly sensitive to disorder and fragments into localized modes reflecting the elementary eigenstates produced by geometric frustration. This realization offers a novel approach to studying coherent phases of light and matter under the controlled interplay of frustration, interactions, and dissipation.

Identification of a new non-major histocompatibility complex genetic locus on chromosome 2 that controls disease severity in collagen-induced arthritis in rats

OBJECTIVE

To identify novel non-major histocompatibility complex (non-MHC) genetic loci controlling the severity of homologous rat type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).

METHODS

We conducted a genome-wide scan to identify CIA regulatory quantitative trait loci (QTL) in an F2 cross between DA (CIA highly susceptible) and ACI (CIA resistant) inbred rats immunized with homologous rat type II collagen (RII). These strains share the MHC/RT1av1 haplotype required for susceptibility to RII-induced CIA.

RESULTS

F2 females had higher median arthritis scores than did males. Relative resistance in the males was determined by inheriting either a DA or an ACI Y chromosome and was independent of the source of the X chromosome. In addition, a major QTL was localized on chromosome 2 (Cia7, logarithm of odds score 4.6). Cia7 is in a region that shows linkage conservation with chromosomal regions that regulate autoimmune diabetes and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice and multiple sclerosis in humans.

CONCLUSION

Sex chromosomes and Cia7 play an important role in regulating CIA in response to RII. This rat model should facilitate positional cloning and functional characterization of regulatory genes that may play a role in several forms of autoimmune disease, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Administration of intracoronary bone marrow mononuclear cells on chronic myocardial infarction improves diastolic function

BACKGROUND

Regeneration of the myocardium and improved ventricular function have been demonstrated in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) treated by intracoronary delivery of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMC) a few days after successful myocardial reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); however, the effects of intracoronary cell infusion in chronic MI patients are still unknown.

AIMS

To investigate whether intracoronary infusion of BMC into the infarct-related artery in patients with healed MI could lead to improvement in left ventricular (LV) function.

METHODS

Among 47 patients with stable ischaemic heart disease due to a previous MI (13 (SD 8) months previously), 24 were randomised to intracoronary infusion of BMC (BMC group) and 23 to a saline infusion (control group) into the target vessel after successful PCI within 12 hours after chest pain occurred. LV systolic and diastolic function, infarct size and myocardial perfusion defect were assessed with the use of echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or (201)Tl single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) at baseline and repeated at the 6-month follow-up examination.

RESULTS

BMC treatment did not result in a significant increase in LV ejection fraction in any of the groups by any of the methods used, and the apparent tendency of an improvement was not statistically different between the two groups. The two groups also did not differ significantly in changes of LV end-diastolic and systolic volume, infarct size or myocardial perfusion. However, there was an overall effect of BMC transfer compared with the control group with respect to early/late (E/A) (p<0.001), early diastolic velocity/late diastolic (Aa) velocity (Ea/Aa) ratio (p = 0.002) and isovolumetric relaxation time (p = 0.038) after 6 months, as evaluated by tissue Doppler echocardiography. We noted no complications associated with BMS transfer.

CONCLUSION

Intracoronary transfer of autologous BMC in patients with healed MI did not lead to significant improvement of cardiac systolic function, infarct size or myocardial perfusion, but did lead to improvement in diastolic function.

Functional antibody single-chain fragments from the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli: influence of thioredoxin reductase (TrxB)

The cytoplasmic expression of a functional antibody (Ab) fragment, containing the correct intradomain disulfide bonds, was investigated in E. coli. We used a single-chain Fv (scFv) fragment of the levan-binding Ab ABPC48, which was shown to be functional only in the presence of the disulfide bonds. Significant amounts of functional, disulfide-containing scFv could be produced in the cytoplasm of E. coli in the absence of thioredoxin reductase (TrxB) activity. The amount of soluble protein remained largely unchanged by this null mutation. A stronger promoter did not result in further improved yields of functional Ab fragment, despite much higher protein production, suggesting that inefficient disulfide formation was still limiting the yield of active scFv. This method of expressing functional Ab fragments in the cytoplasm of E. coli may be important for screening and selection systems.

Natural selection, protein engineering, and the last riboorganism: rational model building in biochemistry

A detailed study of the chemical behavior of modern catalysts (here, exemplified by dehydrogenases dependent on NAD+) allows us to construct models that distinguish between selected and drifting behaviors in biological macromolecules. These models enable us to manipulate rationally the properties of enzymes, here to design an "acetaldehyde reductase" dependent on NAD+ that is faster than any given us by nature. When applied to the origin of protein catalysis, models that explain the structures of ribo-cofactors (e.g., NAD+) must postulate a metabolically complex breakthrough organism. This means that: (1) The view from the present day back to the truly primeval organism is obscured; it is futile to try to deduce the detailed structure of the first life by examining the behaviors of modern organisms. (2) Riboorganisms dominated life on earth for a long time before translation evolved; indeed, fossils of riboorganisms might already be known. (3) Using organic synthesis, we have expanded the number of bases available for making RNA and making accessible RNA molecules that are likely to be intrinsically better catalysts.

Comparison of antioxidant activities of different parts from snow chrysanthemum (Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.) and identification of their natural antioxidants using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and mass spectrometry and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt-based assay

Snow chrysanthemum (Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt.), a world-widely well-known flower tea material, has attracted more and more attention because of its beneficial health effects such as antioxidant activity and special flavor. In this study, a high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS) and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt (ABTS) based assay was employed for comparison and identification of antioxidants in different samples of snow chrysanthemum. The results showed that snow chrysanthemum flowers possessed the highest while stems presented the lowest antioxidant capacities. Fourteen detected peaks with antioxidant activity were temporarily identified as 3,4',5,6,7-pentahydroxyflavanone-O-hexoside, chlorogenic acid, 2R-3',4',8-trihydroxyflavanone-7-O-glucoside, flavanomarein, flavanocorepsin, flavanokanin, quercetagitin-7-O-glucoside, 3',5,5',7-tetrahydroxyflavanone-O-hexoside, marein, maritimein, 1,3-dicaffeoylquinic acid, coreopsin, okanin and acetyl-marein by comparing their UV spectra, retention times and MS data with standards or literature data. Antioxidants existed in snow chrysanthemum are quite different from those reported in Chrysanthemum morifolium, a well-known traditional beverage in China, which indicated that snow chrysanthemum may be a promising herbal tea material with obvious antioxidant activity.

The nature of spin excitations in the one-third magnetization plateau phase of Ba3CoSb2O9

Magnetization plateaus in quantum magnets—where bosonic quasiparticles crystallize into emergent spin superlattices—are spectacular yet simple examples of collective quantum phenomena escaping classical description. While magnetization plateaus have been observed in a number of spin-1/2 antiferromagnets, the description of their magnetic excitations remains an open theoretical and experimental challenge. Here, we investigate the dynamical properties of the triangular-lattice spin-1/2 antiferromagnet Ba₃CoSb₂O₉ in its one-third magnetization plateau phase using a combination of nonlinear spin-wave theory and neutron scattering measurements. The agreement between our theoretical treatment and the experimental data demonstrates that magnons behave semiclassically in the plateau in spite of the purely quantum origin of the underlying magnetic structure. This allows for a quantitative determination of Ba₃CoSb₂O₉ exchange parameters. We discuss the implication of our results to the deviations from semiclassical behavior observed in zero-field spin dynamics of the same material and conclude they must have an intrinsic origin.

Frustrated magnetic materials attract significant interest because their properties can become dominated by quantum fluctuations. Here the authors show that excitations in the plateau phase of a quantum magnet can be understood semiclassically even though the ground state involves strong quantum effects.

Risk factors for work-related low back pain in the People's Republic of China

A critical review was conducted of studies of work-related low back pain in the People's Republic of China. The published literature in both the English and Chinese languages from 1983 to 1997 was reviewed for studies that permitted the calculation of prevalence ratios. Thirty-five papers were identified initially, and after quality inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied, 16 (14 in Chinese and two in English) were selected for more detailed review. Prevalence ratios were statistically elevated in all but two of the selected studies. Prevalence ratios for individual groups ranged from 2.0 to 8.5 for bending and twisting, 1.5 to 14.3 for static posture, 1.9 to 5.5 for whole-body vibration, and 2.6 to 9.4 for low-temperature exposure. The literature was limited by the absence of standardized and robust measures of low-back-pain outcomes and exposures and by the omission of fundamental details from research reports. Even with these limitations, the review findings suggest that three physical risk factors, all well known in the international literature, are associated with the prevalence of low back pain in the People's Republic of China.

The HIV/AIDS epidemic among young people in China between 2005 and 2012: results of a spatial temporal analysis

OBJECTIVES

Despite a recent increase in the HIV/AIDS epidemic among young people in China, youth-specific HIV data are limited.

METHODS

In total, 56 621 individuals with HIV/AIDS, aged 15-24 years, registered in the Case Reporting System of China between 2005 and 2012 and having complete spatial information were included in the present analysis. Spatial autocorrelation (general and local) and space-time scanning were performed using the ArcGIS 10.2 and SaTScan 9.3 software, respectively.

RESULTS

During 2005-2012, the number of reported HIV/AIDS cases and the proportion of HIV cases increased while the proportion of AIDS cases decreased. Sexual contact became the predominant route of transmission in later years. Spatial analysis showed marked geographical variations in HIV infection among young people throughout China during 2005-2012. The number of new hotspots increased over time. They were mainly localized to southeastern coastal areas, southwestern frontier provinces or autonomous regions (of Guangxi, Yunnan and Sichuan) and Beijing municipality. Later these hotspots disappeared and new hotspots were found in the northeast of the country. Significant clusters of HIV-positive cases were identified in three different time periods, which indicated high HIV transmission among young Chinese people in the recent past. The risk of HIV infection was highest in the first cluster (2009-2012; this cluster was the largest in size) covering the provinces of Guizhou and Yunnan, the Chongqing municipality, Guangxi, and the province of Sichuan. The second cluster (2010-2012) was mostly located in Shanghai, South Jiangsu, Zhejiang and South Anhui, while the third cluster (2010-2012) was located in Beijing and Tianjin.

CONCLUSIONS

Target-specific comprehensive behavioural interventions are urgently needed to contain the HIV epidemic among young people.

Arabidopsis ROOT UVB SENSITIVE2/WEAK AUXIN RESPONSE1 is required for polar auxin transport

Auxin is an essential phytohormone that regulates many aspects of plant development. To identify new genes that function in auxin signaling, we performed a genetic screen for Arabidopsis thaliana mutants with an alteration in the expression of the auxin-responsive reporter DR5rev:GFP (for green fluorescent protein). One of the mutants recovered in this screen, called weak auxin response1 (wxr1), has a defect in auxin response and exhibits a variety of auxin-related growth defects in the root. Polar auxin transport is reduced in wxr1 seedlings, resulting in auxin accumulation in the hypocotyl and cotyledons and a reduction in auxin levels in the root apex. In addition, the levels of the PIN auxin transport proteins are reduced in the wxr1 root. We also show that WXR1 is ROOT UV-B SENSITIVE2 (RUS2), a member of the broadly conserved DUF647 domain protein family found in diverse eukaryotic organisms. Our data indicate that RUS2/WXR1 is required for auxin transport and to maintain the normal levels of PIN proteins in the root.

A novel interpenetrated anion-pillared porous material with high water tolerance afforded efficient C2H2/C2H4 separation

A novel water stable interpenetrated anion-pillared metal-organic framework afforded highly efficient C₂H₂/C₂H₄ separation performance.

Polycatenated Molecular Cage-Based Propane Trap for Propylene Purification with Recorded Selectivity

The propane (C₃H₈)-selective adsorption technology is recognized as a promising energy-efficient way to directly afford high-purity propylene (C₃H₆). Here, a novel strategy via cage construction, combining with multiple interaction and shape selectivity, was raised to achieve preferential C₃H₈ adsorption. We revealed that the polycatenated molecular cage within a microporous framework of [Ni(bpe)₂(WO₄)] (bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene) showed preferential C₃H₈ adsorption behavior with recorded C₃H₈/C₃H₆ selectivity (1.62-2.75), as well as the high adsorption enthalpy around 42 kJ mol^-1. The cage afforded dense electronegative binding sites, enabling the multiple C^δ--H^δ+. . .C^δ- interaction with C₃H₈ molecule and thus the higher affinity for C₃H₈ than C₃H₆. Additionally, the cage exhibited shape selectivity to oblate C₃H₈, and was unfavorable to C₃H₆ with relatively planar configuration as indicated by modeling studies. The high purity propylene (99.6%) was directly obtained without the extra adsorption-desorption cycles through the column breakthrough experiment.

Biological and bactericidal properties of Ag-doped bioactive glass in a natural extracellular matrix hydrogel with potential application in dentistry

The aim of this study was the fabrication and evaluation of a novel bioactive and bactericidal material, which could have applications in dentistry by supporting tissue regeneration and killing oral bacteria. Our hypothesis was that a new scaffold for pulp-dentin tissue engineering with enhanced antibacterial activity could be obtained by associating extracellular matrix derived from porcine bladder with an antibacterial bioactive glass. Our study combines in vitro approaches and ectopic implantation in scid mice. The novel material was fabricated by incorporating a sol-gel derived silver (Ag)-doped bioactive glass (BG) in a natural extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel in ratio 1:1 in weight % (Ag-BG/ECM). The biological properties of the Ag-BG/ECM were evaluated in culture with dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). In particular, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, stem cells markers profile, and cell differentiation potential were studied. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei was measured. Moreover, the capability of the material to enhance pulp/dentin regeneration in vivo was also evaluated. Our data show that Ag-BG/ECM significantly enhances DPSCs' proliferation, it does not affect cell morphology and stem cells markers profile, protects cells from apoptosis, and enhances in vitro cell differentiation and mineralisation potential as well as in vivo dentin formation. Furthermore, Ag-BG/ECM strongly inhibits S. mutans and L. casei growth suggesting that the new material has also anti-bacterial properties. This study provides foundation for future clinical applications in dentistry. It could potentially advance the currently available options of dental regenerative materials.