Characterization of a Hydrogel Composite Containing Bioactive Moringa as a Novel Pulp-Capping Material.

Hydrogels are hydrophilic biocompatible polymers that can be used as a drug delivery material in different medical branches, including vital pulp therapy. The aim of this study is to characterize the physical and biological properties of the newly developed formula as a candidate direct pulp-capping material. The hydrogel composite was prepared from natural and synthetic origins (polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), hyaluronic acid (HA), and sodium alginate (SA)) with the incorporation of bioactive Moringa. Different formulas of hydrogel containing different concentrations were evaluated for physicochemical (FTIR, XRD, SEM, degradation, and swelling), mechanical (viscosity, folding endurance, film thickness), and biological (antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxicity) properties. FTIR and XRD confirmed successful incorporation and partial cross-linking between moringa and hydrogel compounds. At low concentrations of moringa, the hydrogel formula showed integrity, scavenging activity, and homogeneity. The moringa-loaded films showed concentration-dependent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, especially at higher concentrations, with acceptable cytocompatibility. The low concentration of moringa (0.5%) may be considered a promising candidate as a novel pulp-capping agent supporting tissue healing and regeneration.