In Vitro Biocompatibility, Odontogenic, and Osteogenic Potential of Biodentine versus Endosequence Root Repair Material on Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Introduction: Regenerative endodontics aims to restore the vitality and function of the pulp–dentin complex using stem cells and bioactive materials. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) possess high proliferative capacity and the ability to differentiate into odontogenic and osteogenic lineages. Biodentine (BD) and EndoSequence Root Repair Material (ERRM) are commonly used bioactive materials; however, their comparative biological effects on DPSCs remain incompletely understood. This study evaluated the effects of BD and ERRM on DPSC proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization. Materials and Methods: DPSCs were isolated from fifteen sound human premolars and characterized by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry to assess the expression of CD44, CD45, and CD90. Cells were divided into three groups: untreated DPSCs (control), DPSCs treated with BD, and DPSCs treated with ERRM. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay on day 3. Odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation were evaluated by analyzing dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and osteopontin (OPN) gene expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction on days 7 and 14. Mineralization potential was assessed using Alizarin Red S staining on days 7, 14, and 21. Results: DPSCs expressed the mesenchymal stem cell markers CD44 and CD90 and lacked expression of the hematopoietic marker CD45. Both BD and ERRM significantly enhanced cell viability compared with the control group, with BD demonstrating slightly higher proliferative activity. BD significantly upregulated DSPP expression, indicating enhanced odontogenic differentiation, whereas ERRM induced higher OPN expression, reflecting greater osteogenic potential. Mineral deposition increased in both experimental groups, with ERRM showing more pronounced calcium nodule formation at later time points. Conclusion: BD and ERRM demonstrated favorable biocompatibility and promoted odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs. The observed differences in gene expression and mineralization patterns support the potential clinical relevance of both materials in regenerative endodontic procedures.