The use of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) for biomedical applications is well established, particularly for permanent implants, due to its slow degradation rate, suitable mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. However, the slow degradation rate of PCL limits its application for short-term and temporary biomedical applications where bioabsorbability is required. To enhance the properties of PCL and to expand its biomedical applications, we developed an approach to produce PCL membranes with tunable degradation rates, mechanical properties, and biofunctional features. Specifically, we utilized electrospinning to create fibrous PCL membranes, which were then chemically modified using potassium permanganate to alter their degradability while having minimal impact on their fibrous morphology. The effects of the chemical treatments were investigated by treating the samples for different time periods ranging from 6 to 48 h. After the 48 h treatment, the membrane degraded by losing 25% of its mass over 12 weeks in degradation studies, while maintaining its mechanical strength and exhibiting superior biofunctional features. Our results suggest that this approach for developing PCL with tailored properties could have significant potential for a range of biomedical applications.

Advanced age is a shared risk factor for many chronic and debilitating skeletal diseases including osteoporosis and periodontitis. Mesenchymal stem cells develop various aging phenotypes including the onset of senescence, intrinsic loss of regenerative potential and exacerbation of inflammatory microenvironment via secretory factors. This review elaborates on the emerging concepts on the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms of MSC senescence, such as the accumulation of oxidative stress, DNA damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. Senescent MSCs aggravate local inflammation, disrupt bone remodeling and bone-fat balance, thereby contributing to the progression of age-related bone diseases. Various rejuvenation strategies to target senescent MSCs could present a promising paradigm to restore skeletal aging.

Dental-derived stem cells (DSCs) are attractive cell sources due to their easy access, superior growth capacity and low immunogenicity. They can respond to multiple extracellular matrix signals, which provide biophysical and biochemical cues to regulate the fate of residing cells. However, the direct transplantation of DSCs suffers from poor proliferation and differentiation toward functional cells and low survival rates due to local inflammation. Recently, elegant advances in the design of novel biomaterials have been made to give promise to the use of biomimetic biomaterials to regulate various cell behaviors, including proliferation, differentiation and migration. Biomaterials could be tailored with multiple functionalities, e.g., stimuli-responsiveness. There is an emerging need to summarize recent advances in engineered biomaterials-mediated delivery and therapy of DSCs and their potential applications. Herein, we outlined the design of biomaterials for supporting DSCs and the host response to the transplantation.