Varun Solanki

Dr. Varun Solanki

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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VSVarun Solanki
Varun Solanki
CMCarolina Montoya
Carolina Montoya
PRASANNA NEELAKANTANPRASANNA NEELAKANTAN
PRASANNA NEELAKANTAN
MYMaobin Yang
Maobin Yang
SOSantiago Orrego
Santiago Orrego
Vital pulp therapy (VPT) seeks to preserve pulp vitality by using biocompatible with regenerative potential. This study tested the hypothesis that an injectable gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel containing piezoelectric barium titanate promotes odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) significantly better than a commercially available tricalcium silicate material used for vital pulp therapy. First, the light-curable, injectable piezoelectric hydrogel was engineered and characterized for its physicomechanical, piezoelectric properties and biocompatibility to DPSCs. The effect of this gel on the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs was determined by measuring the expression level of key genes, compared to Biodentine XP. The hydrogel exhibited excellent injectability (<1 kgf of force), mechanical stability, and generated physiologically relevant voltages under cyclic loading mimicking mastication. MTT and ROS assays show no cytotoxic or damaging oxidative stress effects. When DPSCs were cultured over the materials under cyclic loading, the piezoelectric hydrogel significantly enhanced cell viability and upregulated COL1A1, DSPP, and DMP1 expression compared to Biodentine XP and non-piezoelectric hydrogel controls. These findings establish piezoelectric hydrogel as a self-powered, bioactive platform that converts physiological forces into regenerative bioelectric cues, offering a promising next-generation material for vital pulp therapy.

9 May 2026 in Dental Materials
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
CMCarolina Montoya
Carolina Montoya
CAChinmaya Agrawal
Chinmaya Agrawal
VSVarun Solanki
Varun Solanki
DDDmitriy A. Dikin
Dmitriy A. Dikin
MSMike Sousanieh
Mike Sousanieh
SOSantiago Orrego
Santiago Orrego