Bioinspired nanomicelles with octopus-like adhesion for microenvironmental reprogramming in periodontitis

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Periodontal Medicine

Background:

• Periodontitis is a complex inflammatory disease with limited treatment options.
• Current treatments lack targeted delivery and multifunctional capabilities for the periodontal microenvironment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a bioinspired nanomicelle platform for enhanced periodontitis therapy.
• To achieve targeted drug delivery, immune modulation, and bone regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an "octopus-like" nanomicelle platform with mucoadhesive tentacles and immune-targeting surfaces.
• Modification with phenylboronic acid for sialic acid binding and fucoidan for scavenger receptor targeting.
• Incorporation of cannabidiol as a therapeutic payload and evaluation in a mouse periodontitis model.

Main Results:

• The nanomicelles demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against key periodontopathic bacteria.
• Effective modulation of immune pathways (TLR, JAK-STAT, AGE-RAGE) suppressed inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Enhanced osteogenic differentiation and superior therapeutic outcomes were observed in vivo compared to free drug.

Conclusions:

• The multifunctional nanoplatform integrates mucoadhesion, immune modulation, antimicrobial activity, and bone regeneration.
• This strategy offers a versatile approach for periodontitis treatment and reprogramming inflammatory microenvironments.