Bioactive molecules for regenerative pulp capping

Since the discovery of bioactive molecules sequestered in dentine, researchers have been exploring ways to harness their activities for dental regeneration. One specific area, discussed in this review, is that of dental-pulp capping. Dental-pulp caps are placed when the dental pulp is exposed due to decay or trauma in an attempt to enhance tertiary dentine deposition. Several materials are used for dental-pulp capping; however, natural biomimetic scaffolds may offer advantages over manufactured materials such as improved aesthetic, biocompatibility and success rate. The present review discusses and appraises the current evidence surrounding biomimetic dental-pulp capping, with a focus on bioactive molecules sequestered in dentine. Molecules covered most extensively in the literature include transforming growth factors (TGF-βs, specifically TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs, specifically BMP-2 and BMP-7). Further studies would need to explore the synergistic use of multiple peptides together with the development of a tailored scaffold carrier. The roles of some of the molecules identified in dentine need to be explored before they can be considered as potential bioactive molecules in a biomimetic scaffold for dental-pulp capping. Future in vivo work needs to consider the inflammatory environment of the dental pulp in pulpal exposures and compare pulp-capping materials.