Background

The term “Biomimetics” is derived from the Latin words “bios” which means life and “mimesis” which means to copy or mimic [1]. Biomimicry is an interdisciplinary field of mimicking nature’s ideal biological approaches and strategies using chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering concepts to develop novel synthetic materials and organs [2]. Among the popular examples of biomimetics are the swimsuits motivated by the dermal denticles covering shark’s skin, the needles that are typically inspired by mosquitos, and the shape of wind turbine blades modelled from the humpback whale ‘fins [3].

History of biomimetics goes back to the first and second century where evidence of crude dental implants was seen in roman and pre-Columbian cultures of central and South America. In 659 AD, the first use of dental amalgam was found written in the Chinese literature. The use of heart pacemaker, hip and knee joint started in the beginning and middle of twentieth century. In 1950, the American inventor Otto Schmitt coined the term biomimetics while in 1960, the subject of copying, imitating, and learning from biology was named Bionics by Jack Steele [3, 4]. The term biomimetic was officially listed for the first time in the Webster’s Dictionary in 1974. Although biomimetic history goes back to the first century, it did not become popularized among scientists and researchers except after publishing a ground breaking book about it by author Janine Benyus, 1997 namely ‘Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature.’ [5].

Bio-mimetic dentistry is the art and science of repairing damaged teeth with restorations that imitate the living tissues (e.g., enamel, dentin, bone, cementum, etc.) in terms of appearance, function, and strength [6]. The secondary biomimetic goal is to develop restorative materials that can restore the biomechanics of the natural tooth. The applicability of biomimetics has been greatly considered at molecular levels in terms of promoting wound healing and soft and hard-tissue regeneration [7]. At macro structural level, biomimetic preservation of biomechanical, structural, and aesthetic integrity of teeth can be achieved by various biomimetic restorative materials [8]. For this purpose, materials scientists ideally take natural teeth as a reference during the development of dental restorative materials.

The emerging trend of biomimetic approaches in dentistry have been employed for a range of applications, such as restoring tooth defects using bioinspired analogs to achieve remineralization, bioactive and biomimetic biomaterials, and tissue engineering for regeneration (Fig. 1) [8].

Fig. 1
figure 1

Scheme of emerging trends of biomimetic dentistry

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Biomimetic restorative dentistry

Restorative treatment approaches

The main objective of biomimetic restorative dentistry is to return the hard tissues (enamel, dentin, cementum) to attain full function through a restorative material that can mimic or restore the biomechanics of the natural tooth. This allows the tooth to function as one unit against functional forces and provides near normal biology, and aesthetics [2].

  1. a.

    In conventional extension for prevention approach, not only the diseased but also sound tooth structure are removed and replaced with rigid, non-responsive materials. This treatment plan usually weakens the remaining tooth structure and yields a short life span restoration (Fig. 2) [9].

  2. b.

    In Biomimetic approach, the concept of less or no dentistry is the best dentistry has been adopted. It is conservative and only focuses on restoring the teeth and simulating the natural dentition as much as possible. The biomimetic restorative protocols aim to achieve these results by stress-reducing protocols and bond-maximizing protocols. Cavities and other lesions are carefully repaired using advanced materials and adhesives so the tooth retains its inherent natural properties (Fig. 3) [9].

Fig. 2
figure 2

a Decayed tooth, b the decay is completely removed, c more tooth structure is removed to allow space for the placement of rigid restoration, d restoration is placed over the weakened tooth structure

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Fig. 3
figure 3

a Decayed tooth, b the decay is removed completely, c limited tooth structure is removed to maintain tooth strength, d restoration is bonded to the tooth restoring the structural integrity and strength

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Biomimetic restorative materials

  1. a.

    Glass ionomer (Man-made dentin)

Glass-ionomer (GIC) is the generic name of a group of materials that use silicate glass powder and aqueous solution of polyacrylic acid. They undergo a significant acid—base reaction as a part of their setting reaction and show a continuing fluoride release. Glass ionomer cements (GICs) are considered as biomimetic materials because they have the same coefficient of thermal expansion as that of tooth structure, bond adhesively to enamel and dentin, and release fluoride over a prolonged period of time [10].

GICs ability to release ions is responsible for the development of long-term durable bonds at the tooth/restoration interface. Studies have shown that ions can move from the cement and from the tooth into the interfacial region to create an ion-exchange layer that proved to be highly durable in clinical service [11]. In spite of these advantages, conventional glass ionomers suffer from disadvantages such as short working times, long setting times, brittleness, low fracture toughness, and susceptibility to moisture contamination or dehydration during the early stages of the setting reaction [12]. Various modifications in the powder and liquid of glass ionomer material have been done to improve its performance.

Nano-hydroxyapatite (HA) particles have been added to GIC to produce GIC-HA hybrids, which showed improved release of fluoride ions, and improved mechanical and antibacterial properties [13]. Moreover, Garoushi et al. [14] in a recent study explored the effect of addition of hollow and solid discontinuous glass fiber fillers on fracture toughness and flexural strength of GIC and resin modified GICs. Results showed significant enhancement in fracture toughness (280 and 200%) and flexural strength (170 and 140%) of hollow discontinuous glass fiber (10 wt %) added to GICs.

In 2020, Singer et al. [15] modified the antimicrobial activity of GIC with a mixture of three natural plant extracts (Salvadora persica, Olea europaea, and Ficus carcia). The three plant extracts improved the antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and against M. luteus while compressive strength was improved by addition of the plant extracts at higher concentrations.

  1. b.

    Dental composite resin

Nearly everything in nature, including teeth, pearls, shells, corals, and bones, is composed of hybrid organic and inorganic composites with the structures of each component regulating the final performance of the hybrids [16]. Dental composite resin (DCR) represents an important category of hybrid biomaterials, which are composed of a resin matrix and inorganic fillers [17]. DCR has been widely applied in dentistry to restore diseased and defective teeth since the 1960s because of their excellent aesthetics, good biocompatibility, and ease of use [18].

Self-healing/Bleeding material is a resin composite system, which employs a biomimetic approach to perform a self-repairing function. Many natural materials are themselves self-healing composites as the natural bone, which has the ability to self-heal even with major fracture. Self-healing could be either intrinsic or extrinsic, according to whether the reparative molecules are produced only in response to damage (intrinsic) or are already deposited within the material (extrinsic) [19].

Intrinsic self-healing occurs at the molecular level, and an external source of energy is required to control the movement of the reactants [20]. On the other hand, extrinsic self-healing materials usually rely on polymeric capsules, which rupture near the crack and release the resin that reacts with an existing catalyst resulting in polymerization of the resin and crack repair (Fig. 4) [21, 22]. Visual enhancement of the damage could be achieved as well by the bleeding of a highly added conspicuous medium such as fluorescent dye [21, 22].

Fig. 4
figure 4

Self-healing composite resin a microcapsulesrupture and release of healing agents, b healing of the crack after polymerization of the healing agent by the catalyst

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Bilayered resin composite structure is considered a new biomimetic restoration system, which mimics the fibrous structure of dentin-enamel complex [23]. It is made of a base formed of glass fiber reinforced composite resin (FRC) and a surface of a more polishable and wear resistant resin composite. The function of the FRC base for filling composites is to provide a crack propagation prevention layer for the restoration [24].

  1. iii.

    Ceramics

Dental ceramics are able to mimic the natural appearance of the tooth. The popularity of dental ceramics has been widely extended in the last three decades after the evolution in computer based dental technologies and the introduction of the “digital workflow” concept in dentistry [25]. The ambition of researchers to develop biomimetic dental restorative ceramics existed long time ago. In 2000, Holland et al. were able to develop an apatite-leucite glass ceramics that are made of needle-like apatite building blocks similar to those found in the living dental tissues. The needle-like apatite crystals improved the esthetic and mechanical properties of the material [26,27,28].

Biomimetic dental ceramics should be able to establish gap free adhesion to the restored dental substance and to promote natural regeneration of surrounding tissues. Goudouri et al. [29] succeeded to incorporate an apatite-forming ability to a commercial dental restorative ceramic material to enhance the tissue attachment. The specimens demonstrated the formation of apatite-like layer on the surface without affecting the flexural strength of the material [30]. Biomimetic application of dental ceramics also includes bioactive coated ceramic implant. Several bioactive glass–ceramics are commercially available and were used to coat titanium and zirconia dental implants. The coating enhanced the osseo integration and tissue bonding around ceramic implants [31].

Hybrid ceramics are another example of biomimetic ceramic materials. They were introduced in a trial to combine the advantages of ceramics and composites in order to get physical properties (e.g., Youngs modulus and hardness) similar to that of enamel and dentin [32]. Polymers infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) materials consist of two interlocking phases, a porous feldspathic ceramic network (75–80% of the volume), infiltrated with polymer [33]. Recently, researchers of material science have developed functionally graded PICN that are characterized by gradients in composition and structure to produce a structure that have properties of enamel and dentine combined (Fig. 5) [1].

Fig. 5
figure 5

Interpenetrating network structure of hybrid composite resin

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Since the tooth is made up of different structures (enamel and dentin) which have different optical and physical properties, the possibility of mimicking both tissues with one layer of material is not an easy task. Recently manufacturers began to implement the concept of gradient shade and translucency in their ceramic products. Furthermore, the concept of biomimetics was recently extended to include gradients in strength within the same ceramic block. A novel multilayered zirconia block that integrates different types of zirconia together in one block was introduced. These new blocks are monolithic restorations that contains yttria partially stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (3Y-TZP) in the body area to provide high mechanical stability and 5Y-TZP in the occlusal area to provide the desired esthetics [34].

Biomimetic regenerative dentistry

Dentine remineralisation

Demineralisation is the process of removing mineral ions from Hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals of enamel, dentin, cementum, and bone. Depositing lost mineral ions again to the demineralized crystals is called remineralization. Considerable number of mineral ions could be lost from HA without destroying its integrity but high sensitivity to heat, cold, pressure, and pain would be expected which is termed dentin hypersensitivity. Once the integrity of HA crystal lattice becomes lost, dental cavities can be clearly seen. Demineralisation is not an irreversible process; hence, the demineralized HA crystals can grow back to their original size under favorable remineralisation conditions [35, 36].

  1. a.

    Crystallite’s growth conventional remineralisation approach

Conventional remineralisation protocols of the carious dentin often involve using formulations with calcium and phosphate ions of different concentrations. In this case, remineralisation occurs by epitaxial growth of residual apatite crystals in partially demineralized dentin rather than new crystals nucleation [35, 36]. If there are no or very few residual crystals, there will be no remineralisation. The mineral content of the surface layer of the lesion affects the quality of the resulting remineralisation, including its location and mineral deposition density (Fig. 6) [37].

  1. b.

    Bottom-up biomimetic remineralisation approaches

Fig. 6
figure 6

Demineralisation and remineralisation processes

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The biomimetic remineralisation process is a bottom-up approach used to create nanocrystals that are small enough to fit in the gaps between adjacent collagen molecules in order to backfill the demineralized dentin collagen. These nano precursor particles (amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) nano-precursors) are stabilized by biomimetic analogs of non-collagenous proteins (dentin matrix protein (DMP1) and dentin phosphophoryn (DPP, DMP2) that regulate the HA crystal nucleation growth [38, 39]. In this direction, several bioactive materials and non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) analogs have been used to promote remineralisation (Fig. 7) [40].

Fig. 7
figure 7

Bottom up biomimetic approach

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Biomimetic dentin remineralisation materials

Bioactive materials

  1. a.

    Bioactive glass (BAG)

In 1969, Hench developed the first bioactive glass (BAG) [41]. BAG has showed a remarkable regenerative capacity for repairing hard tissues due to the ability to release ions for apatite crystals formation that mimics the natural apatite found in bone and dental hard tissues [42].

BAG is characterized by its unique composition that made it a prospective bioactive material for several medical uses. It is a mixture of ingredients that are common constituents of the natural human hard tissues (sodium, calcium, phosphorous and silica) [43]. In dentistry, BAG is used in tissue engineering and for coating titanium and ceramic implants to promote bone regeneration [44].

When BAG contacts water or saliva, it releases calcium, sodium, and phosphorous ions, which promotes remineralisation at surfaces of dental tissues. Moreover, the calcium phosphate precipitates occlude the dentinal tubules and prevent movement of dentinal fluids, which is responsible for dentine hypersensitivity according to the hydrodynamic theory [45]. BAG can also be used in pulp capping procedures since they are non-cytotoxic and were reported to promote the formation of reparative dentin [44].

  1. b.

    Casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP)

CPP-ACP is a bioactive complex that is formulated from casein phosphopeptide (CPP), a milk product derived from casein protein and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), a precursor in the biological formation of hydroxyapatite. CPP-ACP has substantial potential to prevent enamel demineralisation and enhance enamel and dentine remineralisation [46]. CPP-ACP contained toothpastes, sugar-free chewing gums, mouth rinses, and biomaterials (composite resin, glass ionomer, etc.) showed efficacy in triggering hydroxyapatite precipitation and tissue repair [47,48,49].

CPP-ACP mechanism of action relies on the ability of CPP to maintain high concentrations of calcium and phosphorus ions and stabilize them in the form of ACP to avoid spontaneous crystallization. Furthermore, CPP-ACP nano-complex localize the calcium, phosphate, and hydroxide ions at the tooth surface and maintain a state of super saturation in the plaque fluid [50]. When the pH drops (≤ 5.8), hydroxyapatite starts to precipitate and infiltrate into the subsurface to achieve efficient enamel remineralisation at the lesion area. Moreover, the combination of CPP-ACP and fluoride was reported to boost the remineralisation effect of carious and erosive lesions [51].

  1. c.

    Fluoride compounds

Remineralisation is considered a natural repair process that involves the reformation of hydroxyapatite below the surface of non-cavitated lesions from calcium and phosphate ions found in the saliva [52]. In the presence of fluoride ions, fluoroapatite crystals are formed instead of HA. The critical pH of fluoroapatite is lower than that of hydroxyapatite which makes it more acid resistant. Furthermore, the presence of fluoride in the plaque fluid and in contact with tooth surface was found to protect the hydroxyapatite crystals against dissolution and promote remineralisation by adhering to calcium and phosphorus ions [53].

Fluoride can be incorporated in toothpastes or applied directly to the tooth surface through fluoride varnish as prophylaxis [53]. Direct application of fluoride compounds allows fluoride to be maintained intra-orally for a longer time and is slowly released into the saliva forming a fluoride reservoir for extended protection effect. Very recently, a patented technology named REFIX with a biomimetic mechanism of action was developed. It is a toothpaste containing fluoride in combination with phosphates and silica. Such combination favors the formation of a fluoridated apatite and a silicon-enriched layer which incorporate deep into the hydroxyapatite and occlude the dentinal tubule openings [54].

Biomimetic mineralisation (BIMIN) is another technique developed to stimulate guided formation of a layer of fluorapatite that resembles enamel. This is done on a mineral substrate and has the potential to enhance the remineralisation of superficial enamel and exposed demineralised dentin. This technique based on diffusion of calcium ions from a solution into a glycerin-enriched gel with phosphate and fluoride ions. When the conditioned gel is in direct contact with the exposed tooth surface, a mineral layer that is firmly adherent to the tooth’s surface is formed within eight hours [55].

  1. d.

    Zinc oxide loaded materials

Zinc has been widely used in dentistry and experimentally added into several dental materials, not only to reduce MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases)-mediated collagen degradation, but also to induce dentin remineralisation [56]. Zinc is considered a bioactive element improving the repair ability of demineralised dentin. It stimulates protein phosphorylation, enhances calcium deposition and facilitates dentinal tubule occlusion by crystals precipitation. Moreover, these precipitated crystals are resistant to dissolution in acidic environment, thus offer stable results [57].

Non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) analogues

  1. a.

    Polydopamine

Polydopamine (PDA) is a semi conductive polymer that is formed by the oxidation and polymerization of dopamine in aqueous solutions [58]. It is called biological glue due to its strong ability to bond to several substrates under wet conditions [59].

The adhesive property of polydopamine is inspired from mussels which depend on a secreted 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (DOPA) enriched protein that allows it to adhere to surfaces under water [59]. PDA was reported to effectively promote enamel and dentin remineralisation simultaneously. It binds to Ca2+ ions and acts as nucleation site for the formation of biomimetic hydroxyapatite in the presence of saliva [60]. PDA can be deposited in very thin films (≤ 100 nm) on almost all kinds of material surfaces. Because PDA coatings are rich in active catechol and amine functional groups, they can be used as bonding agents or a biomimetic coating for various restorative materials [61].

  1. b.

    Polyelectrolytes

Polyelectrolytes are polymers consisting mainly of macromolecules that contain ionic groups which dissociate in aqueous solutions and become charged [62]. Polyvinylphosphonic acid (PVPA) is one of the polyelectrolytes that are used in dentistry. Its biomimetic property is related to its ability to form nanocrystals that stimulate intrafibrillar and interfibrillar remineralisation at the resin-dentin interface. PVPA prevent hybrid layer degradation during dentin bonding since it acts as a protease inhibitor of MMPs in dentine, which are responsible for endogenous degradation of dentin collagen fibrils [63]. Furthermore, PVPA has been used as a biomimetic analog for phosphoproteins like dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1 (DMP1) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP).DMP 1 and DPP are extracellular matrix proteins, which are very crucial for bone and dentin remineralisation [64].

Polyacrylic acid (PAA) is another polyelectrolyte that is also used as the NCP analogues in biomimetic mineralization of dentine. PAA simulates the calcium phosphate binding sites of DMP1. Moreover, PAA can stabilize metastable ACP nano-precursors that are small enough to infiltrate the demineralised collagen matrix [65, 66].

  1. c.

    Polyamidoamine Dendrimer (PAMAM)

Dendrimers are called artificial proteins due to their biomimetic abilities and extensive application in medicine. Dendrimers are spherical and branched structure in shape with many surface groups. They promote biomimetic intrafibrillar mineralization of dentin by following structural hierarchy. PAMAM has the ability to absorb calcium and phosphate ions via its functional groups and thus stimulate and activate enamel and dentin remineralisation [67]. They are considered potent remineralising materials as they can cause sequestration of the mineral ions and can act as template for nucleation. Poly (amidoamine) is a notable dendrimer in bio mineralisation fields, because it performs in the same manner as non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) [68, 69].

  1. d.

    Sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP)

STMP (Na3P3O9) is a phosphophoryn analog that has the potential to phosphorylate collagen type I and produce negatively charged sites that attract nano precursors. The use of STMP is considered a biomimetic innovative strategy to stabilize and strengthen the dentin through interaction with non-collagenolytic proteins, mineral nucleation and remineralisation, and decreasing collagen biodegradation.

Biomimetic dentine-pulp complex regeneration

Carious lesions when left untreated will extend beyond dentin and cause inflammation and infection of the pulp and may reach the periapical tissues as well [70]. Treatment strategies in this situation are categorized into vital and non-vital pulp therapies. The aim of vital pulp therapy is to stimulate dentine bridge formation in order to protect and isolate the pulp tissue. For inflamed pulp or non-vital pulp tissue, until today, root canal treatment is the standard care process. It involves debridement and cleaning of the tooth canals from all diseased pulp tissues and sealing the canals with an inert material to prevent any micro leakage [70].

The conventional treatment of a necrotic pulp is problematic due to increased risk of root fracture, pain, and secondary infections [71]. Biomimetic regeneration of the dentin-pulp complex is a contemporary approach that involves disinfecting the root canal system followed by applying bioactive material such as biomimetic cement, growth factors, stem cells or scaffolds. These materials and approaches have the ability to control signaling and differentiation of the pulp cells to limit inflammatory responses and to allow tissue repair and regeneration [72, 73]. This should also promote continued deposition of new dentin-like hard tissue. More research is still needed to exactly assess whether and how this newly deposited dentin-like hard tissue strengthens the pre-existing weak root [72, 73].

Bioactive materials

Bioactivity of dental materials refers to their ability to induce local physiological responses to form a chemical bond or tissue formation through chemical or physical interaction. Remineralizing bioactive materials have the ability to precipitate surface appetite-like material when immersed in physiological body fluid, remineralization stimulation through adding minerals to tooth structure besides promotion of normal tissue repair [74].

  1. a.

    Calcium hydroxide (Ca OH2)

Ca (OH)2 is a white odorless strong alkaline powder (pH > 12) that slowly dissolve in water. It was first introduced to dentistry in 1920 by Herman as direct pulp capping material. In aqueous environment, calcium hydroxide slowly releases Ca2+ and OH− ions, which are responsible for its antibacterial and hard tissue regeneration effects. The released hydroxyl ions attack the bacterial cell and cause damage to the bacterial DNA and cytoplasmic membrane [75].

Furthermore, the hydroxyl group raises the pH and activates the alkaline phosphatase enzymes, which encourage repair and calcifications of dentin through the deposition of calcium phosphate in the dentin organic matrix. Moreover, the alkaline pH of Ca (OH)2 neutralizes the acidic effect of lactic acid released from osteoclasts, thereby preventing demineralisation of dentin. Direct contact of Ca (OH)2 with pulp connective tissue creates a necrotic zone rich in calcium salts and calcium-protein complexes and stimulates the formation of reparative dentin bridge [75].

Calcium hydroxide is involved in many dental applications such as pulp capping, pulpotomy, apexification and root canal disinfection as well as in treatment of root resorption, root or furcation perforations, and horizontal tooth fracture. Even though calcium hydroxide has some challenges, such as poor sealing ability and rapid degradation, it is still a material of choice for various endodontic therapies owing to its ease of handling and economic cost compared to other materials like mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).

  1. b.

    Mineral Trioxide Aggregate

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a calcium silicate based hydrophilic cement that was developed by Torabinejad in 1993 as a modification of Portland cement [76]. MTA is composed mainly of dicalcium silicate, tricalcium silicate and tricalcium aluminate in addition to radio-opacifiers to make it suitable for clinical use [77]. Like other calcium silicate-based cements, MTA is biocompatible, bioactive and exhibit positive odontogenic effect on dental pulp cells and peripheral root tissues [73].

The bioactivity of MTA has been attributed to ability of calcium ions to react with phosphate in the presence of phosphate-buffered saline yielding hydroxyapatite layer at the MTA-dentin interface [78]. MTA is advocated for several dental applications such as pulp capping, retrograde filling, apexification, and management of furcation and root perforations [78].

As compared to calcium hydroxide, MTA is more stable and has greater sealing ability, no moisture sensitivity, better handling, and more favorable outcomes in maintaining long-term pulp vitality [79]. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate material with very high plasticity (MTA Repair HP) has been recently launched, representing a calcium silicate-based cement with enhanced physical and mechanical properties. It is highly biocompatible with human pulp stem cells and with a proven bio-mineralization and antimicrobial activity [80, 81].

  1. c.

    Biodentine

The first commercially available biodentine was introduced in 2009 as a dentine-substitute material. Biodentine is a bioactive calcium-silicate based material that penetrates through opened dentinal tubules and interlocks with dentin to boost the mechanical properties. The main powder components of biodentine are tricalcium silicate and dicalcium silicate [82]. Other minor constituents include calcium carbonate, iron oxide, and zirconium oxide. The liquid consists of calcium chloride, which acts as accelerator, and a hydrosoluble polymer [83].

It is used for pulp capping material, root perforation, apexification stimulant, and as a retrograde filling material. Biodentine induces odontoblast differentiation of human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) causing faster mineralization of pulp tissue due to the release of transforming growth factor (TGF-Beta 1) [84, 85]. It has advantages over MTA in terms of ease of handling, short setting time, high viscosity, and strength [82]. Biodentine is characterized by having similar compressive strength as natural dentine [86]. The compressive strength is considered critical for pulp therapy products as they should be able to withstand external impacts without leakage [87]. Another advantage of biodentin is its ability to establish high bond strength to different adhesive systems [88]. This is of particular importance when used as a dentine substitute material under adhesive bonded restorations.

  1. d.

    Enamel Matrix Derivative (EMD)

Enamel Matrix Derivative refers to a purified protein derived from the enamel layer of a developing porcine tooth germ cell [89]. EMD consists mainly of amelogenins (90%) and smaller amounts of enamelin, ameloblastin, amelotin and other proteins. EMD was reported to play a major role in regeneration of the periodontal ligament. The mechanism of action of EMD is still not fully explained, but it is believed that application of amelogenins onto a conditioned root surface forms an extracellular matrix with high affinity for hydroxyapatite and collagen, which interacts with the surrounding cells and thus initiates regeneration [90]. EMD has been also proved to induce reparative dentin in direct pulp capping and stimulating odontogenesis. In addition, other uses were reported such as preventing implantitis, replantation cases, sealing of root perforations, pulpotomy and as intracanal medication [91, 92].

Cell homing strategies

Cell homing strategies for dental tissue regeneration was introduced in 2010, representing a viable approach for tissue regeneration [93]. It involves recruitment of stem or progenitor cells in order to achieve tissue regeneration and revascularization by chemotaxis via biological signalling molecules [94].

  1. a.

    Platelet concentrates

Platelet concentrates are a group of autologous biomaterials that are naturally present in the human body and play significant role in tissue regeneration and wound healing [95]. They are derived from peripheral blood and offer a series of advantages including ease of accessibility, biocompatibility, low cost, and regenerative potentiality. The platelet concentrates are composed of biological regenerative material, mainly platelets and fibrin [96].

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was first described in the seventies of the last century as a source of growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) [96]. The final extract is obtained through double centrifugation process. PRP is commonly used in various surgical procedures such as ridge augmentation, cleft palate repair, sinus lifting, soft tissue grafts etc. owing to its attribute to accelerate soft tissue healing [95].

Furthermore, PRP is an ideal scaffold for regenerative endodontic treatment regimens because of its ability to maintain the vitality of pulp tissues by promoting cell growth and transport of growth factors in a disinfected environment. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) was developed as a second-generation platelet concentrate. It has several advantages over PRP such as simple and cost-effective method of preparation, and no need for addition of any exogenous anticoagulant compounds [97]. PRF contains biologically active proteins such as cytokines, gluconic chains, and structural glycoproteins, which are entangled within fibrin network [97]. This biological complex has been known to boost rapid wound healing and trigger periodontal regeneration (Fig. 8) [95].

  1. b.

    Bone morphogenetic proteins

Fig. 8
figure 8

Platelet concentrates extraction process

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Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are dimeric molecules, which belong to the transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) superfamily and consists of two polypeptide chains connected by single disulfide bond [98]. BMPs are found in demineralized bone matrices and dentin and are also primary key players in embryonic tooth development and cytodifferentiation. BMP4 and BMP5 are involved in the process of ameloblast differentiation, whereas BMP2, BMP4, MBP6 and BMP7 stimulate the differentiation of odontoblast [99].

Scientists were able to use recombinant human BMP2 to induce the differentiation of pulp cells into odontoblasts. Other recombinant BMPs were able to stimulate the formation of reparative dentin. BMP-induced dentin regeneration could be stimulated by direct application of BMPs into pulp tissue to endorse natural healing. Another approach is external differentiation of isolated progenitor stem cells and subsequently transplanting the differentiated odontoblast into the tooth [100]. Carriers or transmitters play significant role to facilitate the clinical application of BMPs and ensure bio-accessibility and gradual distribution of BMPs to the host tissues. They must be biodegradable and biocompatible. Calcium hydrate and calcium phosphate were reported to be used as carriers for BMPs [101].

  1. c.

    Hyaluronic acid (HA) and derivatives

HA is one of the major basic glycosaminoglycan components of the dental pulp extracellular matrix (ECM). HA can interact with stem cell receptors to induce regeneration, play a role in dentin matrix, and pulp tissue development. Moreover, HA derivatives induces mineralization and odontogenic differentiation. Although HA is biocompatible, biodegradable, and bioactive, it has low mechanical properties and requires growth factors to improve its regenerative potentials [70, 102].

  1. d.

    Collagen

A natural biocompatible bioactive material that mimics ECM. It provides bioactivity by facilitating adhesion and attachment of stem cells, and induces signaling pathways that promote differentiation [103].

Conclusions

Biomimetic dentistry could open a new era through successful repair and replacement of diseased dental hard and soft tissues. Restorative dentistry in the future would no longer be using inert materials that only fill the prepared cavity, but instead, it will rely mainly on bioactive materials with the capability of dental tissues regeneration. Biomimetic mineralization of dentine with different methods, including the use of NCP analogues and biomimetic materials showed promising results for demineralized carious dentine. New mechanisms for tissue engineering and regeneration of the dentin pulp complex using biomimetic technologies and concepts can emerge as a major turnover in the dental field.