NF-SMS enhanced the odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs in vitro. (A) ALP content of hDPSCs cultured on NF-SMS, NF-MS and S-MS after 3 d, 7 d and 14 d of induction. (B) Calcium content of cell/microsphere complexes after 2 wk and 4 wk of induction. (C–F) Real-time PCR quantification of the expression levels of odontogenic genes of hDPSCs on the NF-SMS, NF-MS and S-MS after 2 wk and 4 wk of induction. The gene expressions of BSP (C), OCN (D), COL1 (E) and DSPP (F) were higher on NF-SMS than on NF-MS and S-MS at the indicated time points (n = 3). Δ p < 0.05 NF-SMS vs NF-MS, # p < 0.05 NF-SMS vs S-MS, * p < 0.05 NF-MS vs S-MS.