Multifunctional DNA-Based Hydrogel Promotes Diabetic Alveolar Bone Defect Reconstruction

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Periodontology

Background:

• Diabetic alveolar bone defects (DABD) present significant clinical challenges due to infection, inflammation, and impaired bone healing.
• Current treatments often struggle to address the multifaceted nature of DABD effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional DNA-based hydrogel (Agevgel) integrating silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) and M2 macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles (M2EVs).
• To evaluate Agevgel's efficacy in promoting the regeneration of diabetic alveolar bone defects.

Main Methods:

• Agevgel was synthesized by embedding AgNCs and encapsulating M2EVs within a DNA hydrogel scaffold.
• In vivo studies assessed Agevgel's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and osteogenic properties in DABD models.
• Macrophage polarization and osteogenic factor expression were analyzed mechanistically.

Main Results:

• Agevgel demonstrated potent antibacterial activity and effectively prolonged M2EV retention and bioactivity in vivo for over 7 days.
• Agevgel significantly accelerated alveolar bone defect healing and improved trabecular architecture compared to control groups.
• The hydrogel modulated macrophage polarization and enhanced the expression of proliferative and osteogenic factors.

Conclusions:

• Agevgel offers a comprehensive therapeutic strategy for DABD by simultaneously addressing infection, inflammation, and promoting bone regeneration.
• DNA hydrogels show great potential as advanced bioscaffolds for treating periodontal diseases like DABD.