Polydopamine@Zinc oxide coated macroporous membrane for antibacterial protection and early pulp repair in pulpitis

Continuous decompression and drainage are a vital surgical strategy for managing severe tissue infections. In vital pulp therapy (VPT) for irreversible pulpitis, there is a clinical demand for advanced biomaterials capable of effectively sealing the pulp cavity, alleviating pulpal hypertension, preventing bacterial infiltration, and resolving acute pulp inflammation in bacteria-rich environments. In this study, we developed a polydopamine@zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO-NP)-coated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane with tunable Zn content ranging from 2.51 to 7.45 wt%. The polydopamine enhanced ZnO-NP adhesion to the PTFE membrane, enabling superior fluid permeability and robust antibacterial efficacy against E. faecalis and S. mutans , while maintaining excellent biocompatibility. In a minipig pulpitis model, the ZnO-coated membrane significantly outperformed iRootBP PLUS by promoting faster dentine bridge formation (934.0 ± 91.3 μm vs. 116.3 ± 45.4 μm), preserving the integrity of the underlying pulp tissue and inducing M2 macrophage polarization.These findings deomstrate that ZnO-functionalized fibrous membrane can address key challenges in VPT by alleviating pulp hypertension, preventing microbial invasion, and simultaneously promoting pulp tissue regeneration. This approach offers a promising strategy to enhance tharepeutic outcomes of vital pulp therapy. • Polydopamine-functionalized membranes provide robust, stable adhesion of ZnO-NPs. • Polydopamine@ZnO coatings enhance antibacterial efficacy while ensuring biocompatibility. • Polydopamine@ZnO membrane reduces exudate to alleviate pulp hypertension. • Polydopamine@ZnO membrane blocks microbes, ensuring relative cleanliness for regeneration. • Large animal studies showed superior dentinogenesis vs. standard materials.