Chitosan Hydrogels in Regenerative Dentistry: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives.

Abstract

The development of chitosan-based hydrogels as potential biomaterials for dental tissue engineering is driven by their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial activity. Chitosan-based hydrogels provide a flexible matrix that mimics the hydrated extracellular matrix, making them potential mediators for varied dental regeneration processes. This review highlights the physio-biological characteristics of these chitosan hydrogels with special focus on oral and maxillofacial applications. Different fabrication strategies, such as injectable systems, cross-linking approaches, and hydrogel-based formulations, can be tailored to the requirements of specific dental materials. Some important dental application fields, such as pulp-like complex tissue regeneration, periodontal and alveolar bone regeneration, ligament regeneration, and enamel repair and remineralization, are also discussed in the review. Despite significant progress, challenges such as optimization, mechanical stability, and the research gap between preclinical and human trials persist. Future perspectives converge on smart composite systems that enhance regenerative outcomes in personalized dental therapies.Impact StatementThe review highlights the physio-biological characteristics of chitosan hydrogels with special focus on oral and maxillofacial applications. A special emphasis is given to structure-property-function relationships, and hence different fabrication strategies and engineering methodologies are discussed in accordance with the requirements of specific dental materials utilized in important dental application fields, such as pulp-like complex tissue regeneration, periodontal and alveolar bone regeneration, ligament regeneration, and enamel repair and remineralization. These insights aim to guide safer design of hydrogels and support risk-assessment tactics for improved oral health.