Elucidating novel properties of adhesion motif functionalised peptide hydrogels with relevance for tissue engineering

Abstract

Scaffolds for tissue engineering should replicate the native extracellular matrix of tissues, while supporting recruitment and retention of stem cells to promote the organisation and function of new tissue. To enhance cell attachment, cell adhesion motifs found at tissue specific sites can be presented at the surface of the scaffold. The use of hydrogel scaffolds for tissue engineering is becoming increasingly popular in the field of regenerative endodontics, as they can be used in combination with cells derived from the dental pulp. An emerging class of hydrogels called peptide hydrogels are advantageous due to their biocompatibility, ease of synthesise and tailorable nature.

Here, the biocompatibility of commercially available, custom synthesised, multicomponent peptide hydrogels (peptigels) was assessed in vitro. The peptigels were functionalised with RGD, GFOGER or no adhesion motifs. Results showed that the peptigels were biocompatible with dental pulp cells, and that the soluble hydrogel products were not cytotoxic. Despite the knowledge that peptides can possess inherent antimicrobial properties, there has been little research to explore the antimicrobial properties of peptide hydrogels, specifically those functionalised with adhesion motifs. In this study, it was shown that the peptigels functionalised with the adhesion motifs RGD and GFOGER promoted an antimicrobial capacity, although dependent on the microorganism tested.

To create hydrogel scaffolds which are suitable for regeneration of the dentine-pulp complex, it is important that the matrix can support soft tissue regeneration, while not hindering an osteogenic response. This work aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo osteogenic effects of the functionalised peptigels, where the hydrogels did not have a detrimental effect on osteogenesis. In conclusion, the functionalised peptide hydrogels may have potential for future use as regenerative endodontic therapies due to their biocompatibility with dental pulp cells, antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens and their non-detrimental effect on osteogenesis.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2030.

Date of Award	Dec 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Northern Ireland Department for the Economy
Supervisor	Fionnuala Lundy (Supervisor), Ikhlas El Karim (Supervisor) & Susan Clarke (Supervisor)