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Updated: Jan 14, 2026
Induction of Periodontitis via a Combination of Ligature and Lipopolysaccharide Injection in a Rat Model
Published on: February 17, 2023
Macrophage-Targeted Self-Assembled Nanosystem for Periodontitis Treatment
1Department of Periodontology & Tissue Engineering and Regeneration, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Research Center of Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, China.
New nanoparticles target macrophages to treat periodontitis. These nanoparticles deliver drugs directly to the site, reducing inflammation, eliminating bacteria, and promoting bone regeneration for effective periodontal therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Periodontology
- Immunology
Background:
- Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease driven by pathogenic bacteria, where intracellular bacteria and biofilms promote persistent inflammation.
- Macrophages serve as a niche for bacterial colonization, disrupting the immune microenvironment instead of modulating it.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a macrophage-targeted nano drug delivery system for on-site drug delivery and microenvironment restoration in periodontitis.
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin (Cur)-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles functionalized with hyaluronic acid (ZCH NPs).
Main Methods:
- ZCH NPs were synthesized via hyaluronic acid functionalization of Cur-loaded zeolitic imidazolate framework-8.
- Macrophage targeting was achieved through CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis.
- pH-responsive degradation in lysosomes released zinc ions and Cur, activating PPAR/Notch signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- ZCH NPs demonstrated selective macrophage targeting and pH-responsive drug release.
- Dual release of zinc ions and Cur exhibited anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
- ZCH NPs restored stem cell osteogenic potential, eliminated bacteria, inhibited biofilm, and reduced bone resorption in a rat periodontitis model.
Conclusions:
- ZCH NPs effectively treat periodontitis by eradicating bacteria, modulating immune responses, and promoting osteogenic differentiation.
- The on-site and responsive drug delivery system offers a promising strategy for chronic inflammatory diseases like periodontitis.
