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Modulating Macrophage Polarization via Core-Shell Nanofiber Membranes with Sequential Drug Delivery for Periodontal
Qicheng Wang1, Qiqi Jia1, Yong Zhao2
1The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, School of Stomatology, Harbin Medical University, No. 143 Yiman Street, Nangang District, Harbin 150001, P.R. China.
Biomacromolecules
|July 2, 2026
Summary
This study developed a novel nanofibrous membrane for periodontitis treatment, sequentially releasing anti-inflammatory astaxanthin and bone-regenerating icariin. The material successfully promoted bone regeneration and improved the immune microenvironment in a rabbit model.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Periodontitis treatment necessitates simultaneous inflammation control and bone regeneration, posing a significant challenge in temporal coordination.
- Existing therapies often struggle to achieve synchronized anti-inflammatory and osteogenic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a core-shell nanofibrous membrane for sequential delivery of astaxanthin (ASTA) and icariin (ICA).
- To investigate the synergistic effects of temporally controlled drug release on immunomodulation and osteogenesis in periodontitis.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a core-shell nanofibrous membrane (ICA-PCL@ASTA-PLGA) using coaxial electrospinning.
- Differential degradation of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) layers for controlled drug release.
- In vitro assessment of macrophage polarization and osteogenic gene expression.
- In vivo evaluation in a rabbit periodontitis model.
Main Results:
- The membrane achieved sequential release of ASTA (anti-inflammation) and ICA (osteogenesis) over 8 weeks.
- Sequential delivery modulated macrophage polarization from M1 to M2, reducing inflammation and promoting repair.
- ICA promoted osteogenic gene expression and matrix mineralization, while ASTA inhibited inflammatory pathways (NF-κB).
- In vivo studies showed significant alveolar bone regeneration and improved immune microenvironment compared to single-drug scaffolds.
Conclusions:
- The developed core-shell nanofibrous membrane effectively integrates immunomodulation and osteogenesis through material-guided sequential drug delivery.
- This strategy represents a promising "material-guided temporal pharmacology" approach for treating inflammatory bone defects like periodontitis.
