Polyphenols-based functional nanomaterial systems for the treatment of periodontitis

Periodontitis, with a high morbidity worldwide, is one of the leading causes for tooth loss. As bioactive natural products, polyphenols have shown great potentials in the treatment of periodontitis due to their intrinsic biological properties, such as antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammation activity. However, the application of polyphenolic compounds is highly limited by their instability, low bioavailability and poor tissue specificity. In recent years, many reports have demonstrated the successful delivery of polyphenols by various nanomaterials, including metal-polyphenol networks, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, metal nanoparticles and nanofibers. This review provides a critical synthesis of the field by integrating two complementary perspectives: a mechanism-oriented analysis that deconstructs the interconnected biological networks through which polyphenols exert their therapeutic effects, and an application-focused evaluation that critically assesses how various nanoplatforms leverage these mechanisms to address the multifaceted pathology of periodontitis. By explicitly linking mechanistic understanding to nanomaterial design and therapeutic outcomes, this review bridges fundamental research and clinical translation. Also, the potential challenges and future directions in using polyphenols-based nanomaterials are discussed.