Hydrogel scaffold is a biomaterial that can facilitate cells in forming a tissue structure. It can promote cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Further research to find a new scaffold from natural resources is challenging, so this study aimed to characterize a hydrogel composite scaffold, which has the potential to be used as a regenerative material. The formulation of HAp-Col-EGCG was mixed with different ratios of 1%, 2%, and 4% hydroxyapatite. We analyzed its injectability, pH, and gelation time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to evaluate the surface morphologies, element composition, and chemical properties of HAp-Col-EGCG. The results showed that the injectability test was almost 90 % in all groups. There was no significant difference in the median value of the pH at 0, 20, and 60 min in all groups, but there was a significant difference at 40 min. The average gelation times in all groups were not significant. SEM-EDX showed a microporous scaffold, with the HAp particles well distributed in the collagen pores at a ratio of 1.9, 2.29, and 1.89 Ca/P. The FTIR results showed intermolecular bonds in the HAp-Col-EGCG scaffold. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed that collagen and EGCG did not affect the crystal structure and size of HAp. Cytotoxicity test showed more dental pulp cell viability at the 4 % HAp concentration at 514.35 ± 15.45. This study indicates that hydrogel scaffold from eggshell hydroxyapatite, collagen, and EGCG has a high potential for pulp regenerative therapy.

This research aimed to determine whether irradiation of 405 nm diode laser with chlorophyll as photosensitizer could degrade the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) biofilm. The material for this study needs 25 biofilm formed by E. faecalis was divided equally into five groups. The control negative group (C-) consisted of E. faecalis biofilm, the control positive group (C+) consisted of E. faecalis biofilm and chlorophyll photosensitizers, and the other three treatment group (T1, T2, T3) consisted of E. faecalis biofilm and chlorophyll photosensitizers. Each treatment groups were irradiated for 90 second (s) for T1 group, 105 s for T2 group, and 120 s for T3 group with 405nm diode laser. The degradation EPS of E. faecalis’ biofilm was determined using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM). Irradiation duration affected the degradation EPS of E. faecalis’ biofilm. Chlorophyll with 120 s laser irradiation showed significant degradation EPS of E. faecalis’ biofilm compared to other groups (p < 0.05). Irradiation of diode laser 405nm with chlorophyll photosensitizer 120 s could degrade EPS of E. faecalis biofilm up to 97.51%.

Background: Biodegradable hydrogel scaffold is one of the crucial characteristics that determine the success of pulp regeneration. The degradation should be suitable for the growth of new tissue establishment. The aim of this study is to synthesize and compare the novel biodegradable hydrogel scaffold based on hydroxyapatite (HAp) eggshell, collagen, and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (HAp-Col-EGCG) with different HAp concentrations in vitro. Materials and Methods: This study is original research. HAp-Col-EGCG hydrogel scaffolds were prepared using 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 ratios of collagen and HAp with 10 μmol/L EGCG. The samples were freeze-dried and immersed in phosphate buffer saline containing lysozyme enzyme. The dried samples were weighed to determine the percentage of biodegradation value (P < 0.05). Results: The result showed HAp-Col-EGCG was biodegradable but it has not been concluded that it can be completely eliminated. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and it indicated significant differences in percentage values. Conclusion: Hydrogel scaffold based on HAp-Col-EGCG can be degraded and have the potential to be used as a biodegradable scaffold in supporting tissue regeneration.

Background: Finding a new natural scaffold is challenging due to crucial impact on long-term treatment outcomes in pulp capping. In this context, nano hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) is a potential candidate having similar properties to bone tissue in the body. The compound is often synthesized with Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which offers anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Therefore, this study aims to contribute novel insights into the development of effective pulp capping materials by determining the viscosity ratio of the combination of nano-HA and EGCG applied to the cavity according to standard pulp capping material, as well as proving the antibacterial effect against Lactobacillus acidophilus. Methods: The combination of nano-HA – EGCG is divided into three treatment groups, (G1) 1:1 ratio, (G2) 1:1.5 ratio, (G3) 1:2 ratio, as well as control group G4 (Ca(OH)₂ and aquadest) with a ratio of 1:1. Meanwhile, each group is tested for viscosity using a Brookfield viscometer. The well diffusion method is used to determine the antibacterial activity by measuring the diameter of the inhibition zone for each treatment, with C1 (Ca(OH)₂ and aquadest) as control group at a ratio of 1:1, and three treatment groups (nano-HA – EGCG), (C2) 0.5:1 ratio, (C3) 1:1 ratio, and (C4) 2:1 ratio. Results: The results show that there is a difference in the viscosity of each group with G3 having a viscosity of 12.0183 cP, which is closest to control. Furthermore, significant differences are also reported in antibacterial activity between control and treatment groups. Conclusion: The ratio of 1:2 (G3) has a viscosity that closely matches the standard of pulp capping materials. The combinations of nano-HA and EGCG are proven to have antibacterial power against Lactobacillus acidophilus.