SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE | 1-MINUTE READ
Published: March 2026
Dental stem cells and decellularized scaffolds: what did researchers investigate?
A systematic review evaluated the cellular and molecular responses of dental stem cells exposed to decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) scaffolds in regenerative endodontics.
The review included 10 in-vitro studies published between 2015 and 2024, identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science.
What were the findings?
3 key findings
- Cellular responses: dECM scaffolds were generally associated with favorable cell attachment, survival and proliferation.
- Molecular responses: several studies reported increased expression of markers related to odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation and extracellular matrix remodeling.
- Evidence limitations: responses varied according to scaffold origin and decellularization methods. Most studies had a medium risk of bias.
What does this mean for clinical practice?
Decellularized scaffolds in regenerative endodontics may support beneficial cellular and molecular responses in dental-derived stem cells.
However, all the included studies were conducted in vitro. The authors consider the findings preliminary and emphasize the need for more rigorous, standardized preclinical research before translation into clinical regenerative dental therapies.
Original article:
Cellular and molecular response of dental stem cells to decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds in regenerative endodontics: a systematic review.
Authors: Hanna Saith, Shishir Shetty and Nireeksha.
Source: Read the original study