Abstract

Vital pulp therapy (VPT) is crucial for the self-repair and long-term retention of teeth with pulpitis. Here, we aimed to develop gallium-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Ga-MBGNs) as a multifunctional pulp capping material for VPT. Ga-MBGNs were synthesized and systematically characterized, followed by evaluation of their antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and dentinogenic properties using in vitro and in vivo models. In vitro , Ga-MBGNs effectively inhibited endodontic pathogens and promoted odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp cells. Mechanistically, they attenuated inflammation by reducing reactive oxygen species, activating the NRF2–HO-1 pathway, and suppressing NF-κB signaling. In a mouse pulp capping model, Ga-MBGNs significantly induced reparative dentin formation, maintained pulp vitality, and reduced inflammation. In conclusion, Ga-MBGNs represent a promising multifunctional pulp capping material with antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and dentinogenic properties, providing a potential strategy for VPT. Statement of Significance Pulpitis remains difficult to treat because current biomaterials cannot simultaneously control infection, regulate inflammation, and induce true tissue repair. In this work, we developed gallium-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Ga-MBGNs) that directly link material structure to biological function. Their mesoporous architecture enables sustained Ga³⁺ release, which in turn suppresses bacterial growth, reduces oxidative stress , and modulates immune activation through the NRF2/HO-1/NF-κB pathway. This controlled ion delivery also promotes odontogenic differentiation and dentin matrix formation, ultimately preserving pulp vitality in vivo. By integrating antimicrobial, immunoregulatory, and regenerative capabilities within a single nano-engineered platform, this study introduces a structurally defined and functionally active biomaterial with clear potential to advance vital pulp