Synergistic antibacterial and osteogenic activities of GO/GelMA hydrogel for regenerating periodontal bone defects

This study aims to develop and assess graphene oxide (GO) and methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) composite hydrogels (GO/GelMA) for their combined antibacterial and osteogenic properties in the treatment of periodontitis-induced bone defects through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo experiments.

GO was synthesized via a modified Hummers method and incorporated into GelMA to form composite hydrogels. The physical properties, including porosity, swelling behavior, and mechanical strength, were characterized. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). The osteogenic potential was assessed by culturing rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on the hydrogels and analyzing cell proliferation and differentiation. A murine periodontitis model was used for in vivo validation.

The GO/GelMA hydrogels exhibited favorable physicochemical properties for bone tissue engineering. The incorporation of GO significantly enhanced the antibacterial performance, effectively inhibiting the P. gingivalis growth in a concentration-dependent manner. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that while the 100 µg/mL GO/GelMA group showed the highest cell viability, the 200 µg/mL GO/GelMA group exhibited superior osteogenic differentiation. Correspondingly, in vivo results revealed that the 200 µg/mL GO/GelMA group achieved the most significant alveolar bone regeneration and the lowest levels of inflammatory factors.

The GO/GelMA hydrogels, particularly at a GO concentration of 200 µg/mL, demonstrate excellent synergistic antibacterial and osteogenic properties, holding great promise for treating periodontitis-related bone defects.