Oral stem cells in combination with hydrogels as biomimetic bioactive platforms for periodontal tissue engineering

Oral stem cells possess the capability to repair themselves and multipotent differentiation capacities, indicating that they have significant prospects in regenerative medicine. Nonetheless, due to the circulatory system's rapid clearance capability, they can only work consistently in certain areas for tissue healing. Thanks to their loose, porous architecture and high biocompatibility, hydrogels can act as transporters for oral stem cells, thereby delaying their release and enhancing their retention in specific regions. Oral stem cell-loaded hydrogels can be a valuable solution when specific areas require oral stem cells for optimal functioning, considering various types of hydrogels and the variables that affect their ability to transport and release oral stem cells. This review discusses the mechanistic processes underlying periodontitis, mentions current therapeutic techniques and their limitations, and explores oral stem cells and their regenerative capacities and design criteria of oral stem cells-laden hydrogels. Along with an assessment of the shortcomings in present investigations on the fundamental processes and innovative uses of oral stem cells in periodontal reconstruction, with the goal of offering fresh perspectives for upcoming research, the ongoing difficulties and disputes associated with oral stem cell-laden hydrogel personalized treatment options are also covered.