pH‐sensitive polyglycerol nanogels for periodontitis treatment through antibacterial and pro‐angiogenesis action

Periodontitis is a microbe‐driven inflammatory disease leading to bone resorption and tissue destruction. We propose a dual‐functional nanogel complex armed with the antimicrobial drug triclosan (TCS) and the pro‐angiogenesis medication deferoxamine (DFO) for combating microbial pathogens and promoting tissue regeneration. The nanogel system (NG‐TCS‐DFO) that we fabricated from linear polyglycerol exhibits well‐defined spherical morphology and a positively charged surface for bacteria adhesion. The rapid and sustained degradation of NG‐TCS‐DFO in the acidic environment of an infection site induces the on‐demand release of TCS and DFO. The NG‐TCS‐DFO shows potent bacteria elimination of the gingivitis‐causing bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis in both planktonic (99.9%) and biofilm (99%) states. Furthermore, the NG‐TCS‐DFO can promote vascularization and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Contributing to the synergistic effect of TCS and DFO, the NG‐TCS‐DFO demonstrates significant bone tissue regeneration and accelerated healing of periodontitis in vivo. This polyglycerol‐based nanogel may therefore offer smart combined delivery of multiple therapeutics against bacteria‐driven diseases.