Platinum nanoparticles enhance osteogenic differentiation of human dental follicle stem cells via scavenging ROS

The over-accumulation of ROS during prolonged in vitro expansion could negatively affect the properties of stem cells. This leads to a reduced capacity for self-renewal and a lower potential for multiple differentiation, ultimately hindering their applicability in regenerative medicine. Herein, we fabricated platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) as a potential biocompatible antioxidant to efficiently eliminate the ROS accumulation in human dental follicle stem cells (hDFSCs) during in vitro expansion, thereby enhancing hDFSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Transcriptome analysis revealed that PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was activated in PtNPs-treated hDFSCs. Transplantation of PtNPs-treated rDFSCs could facilitate new bone formation compared to transplantation of PBS or un-treated rDFSCs, leading to efficient regeneration of bone tissue in rat mandibular bone defect models. In conclusion, PtNPs offered a novel antioxidative strategy to improve stem cell properties and stem-cells-based alveolar bone regeneration.