Drug Delivery Systems Using Dental Pulp Stem Cells: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) have gained significant attention as a promising platform for drug delivery systems (DDS) in regenerative endodontics. DPSCs offer unique regenerative properties, such as multidifferentiation potential and immune-modulatory effects, which enable them to serve as effective vehicles for localized drug delivery while promoting tissue repair and regeneration. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the role of DPSCs in DDS, focusing on their application in dental pulp regeneration, root canal therapies, and the regeneration of vascularized pulp tissues. Key advancements in DPSCs-based DDS are discussed, including scaffold-assisted drug delivery and the combination of DPSCs with bioactive agents like growth factors and antibiotics. Additionally, the paper addresses the challenges associated with DPSCs, such as immune rejection, cell survival, and large-scale manufacturing. Emerging trends in DPSCs-based DDS, including gene editing, 3D bioprinting, and stem cell-conditioned media, are explored, alongside the need for large-scale clinical trials and regulatory support to bring these therapies into clinical practice. Finally, future directions emphasize the importance of research into functional outcomes and the biomechanical properties of regenerated tissues.