Applications of immunomodulatory nanoparticles in dentistry

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Immunology
• Nanotechnology
• Dental Medicine

Background:

• Oral inflammatory diseases (periodontitis, peri-implantitis, oral mucositis) cause tooth loss and systemic issues.
• Dysregulated immune responses drive persistent inflammation and hinder tissue repair.
• Current treatments focus on microbes, neglecting immune imbalance and limiting efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review immunomodulatory nanoparticles for dental applications.
• To explore organic, inorganic, exosome-derived, and hybrid nanoparticle systems.
• To highlight their role in controlling inflammation and promoting regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, 2015-2025).
• Categorization of nanoparticles: organic, inorganic, exosome/EV-derived, hybrid.
• Analysis of nanoparticle mechanisms (macrophage polarization, cytokine modulation, T cell balance).

Main Results:

• Nanoparticles modulate immune responses to control inflammation and support regeneration.
• Biomimetic designs incorporate antimicrobial, antioxidative, and pro-regenerative functions.
• Preclinical data show promise, but translation faces challenges.

Conclusions:

• Immunomodulatory nanoparticles are promising for precision dental medicine.
• Challenges include understanding immune interactions, safety, and regulatory issues.
• Future directions involve smart, personalized, biomimetic systems and standardized evaluation.