Periodontal ligament stem cells-loaded photocrosslinking GelMA/PEGDA scaffolds for periodontal bone regeneration

Background: Matrix stiffness is a key feature of the mechanical microenvironment. Periodontal tissue is a multicomponent structure composed of cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone, and is essential for the physiological reconstruction and stress of teeth. Simulating the stiffness of periodontal tissue with a biomimetic extracellular matrix is ​​of great significance for regulating cell behavior and tissue repair. In this study, the application of GelMA-PEGDA hybrid hydrogels with different matrix stiffnesses for periodontal bone regeneration was explored. Results: In this work, a GelMA‒PEGDA hybrid hydrogel ink was prepared, and the proportion of PEGDA significantly increased the matrix stiffness of the hybrid hydrogel, which had good biocompatibility. In addition, matrix stiffness promoted the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization capacity of periodontal ligament stem cells on the surface of the gels. A high-precision hydrogel scaffold was obtained by introducing a photoinhibitor. The porosity and biocompatibility of the scaffold were good. Conclusions: This 3D-printed hydrogel provides a promising strategy for periodontal bone tissue regeneration.