Antibacterial and DNA-Based Hydrogels In Situ Block TNF-α to Promote Diabetic Alveolar Bone Rebuilding

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Oral Biology

Background:

• Diabetic conditions impair alveolar bone healing, posing challenges for oral disease treatment due to infection and inflammation.
• Current clinical approaches struggle to effectively rebuild diabetic alveolar bone.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an antibacterial DNA-based hydrogel (Agantigel) for enhanced diabetic alveolar bone regeneration.
• To investigate the efficacy of Agantigel in inhibiting bacterial growth and modulating inflammatory responses.

Main Methods:

• Agantigel was synthesized by incorporating silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antibody into a DNA hydrogel.
• In vitro cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of Agantigel were evaluated.
• In vivo studies assessed Agantigel's effect on diabetic alveolar bone defect healing and macrophage polarization.

Main Results:

• Agantigel demonstrated effective inhibition of bacterial growth with negligible in vitro cytotoxicity.
• Sustained release of TNF-α antibody from Agantigel successfully blocked TNF-α and promoted M2 macrophage polarization.
• Agantigel treatment accelerated diabetic alveolar bone defect healing to 82.58% compared to 42.52% with free TNF-α, improving bone architecture.

Conclusions:

• Agantigel is a promising biomaterial for promoting diabetic alveolar bone regeneration by addressing infection and inflammation.
• DNA hydrogels offer a versatile platform for sustained multidrug delivery in treating diabetic alveolar bone defects and other oral diseases.