Magnet-Propelled Thorny Microrobots With Ionogels For Targeted Periodontitis Therapy

To address the limitations of traditional periodontitis treatments by developing magnet-propelled microrobots capable of biofilm removal, biological barrier penetration, and targeted drug delivery. Microrobots were constructed using ionic liquid gel (ionogel) microspheres loaded with curcumin. Asymmetric iron/platinum layers provided magnetic propulsion and catalytic functions, while gold nanothorns enhanced surface roughness. A handheld magnetic controller enabled precise swarm navigation. In vitro and in vivo experiments evaluated motion behavior, biofilm disruption, drug release, and therapeutic efficacy in mouse periodontitis model. The microrobots exhibit superior motility, magnetically driven to remove biofilms by the mechanical force of nanospines. Meanwhile, its mucus penetration depth was 5.59 times that of passive diffusion. Curcumin-loaded microrobots showed potent free radical scavenging ability, antibacterial activity (≥90% inhibition of P. gingivalis), and inhibited macrophage M1 polarization and promoted M2 polarization. In vivo, the microrobot reduced alveolar bone loss by 40%, inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α), and effectively remodeled the oral microbiota. This magnet-propelled system integrates targeted drug delivery, biofilm eradication, and microenvironment modulation, offering a promising strategy for periodontitis treatment with enhanced precision and efficacy.