Antibacterial-osteogenic integrated liquid metal nanomedicine for periodontitis treatment

Periodontitis is a prevalent chronic bacterial infection characterized by progressive alveolar bone resorption. The limitations of clinical curettage for periodontitis necessitate the rapid eradication of oral pathogens alongside effective periodontal tissue regeneration, generally achieved through multi-component platforms. However, compositional complexity may lead to drug antagonism and technical sensitivity, and finding a single antibacterial-osteogenic integrator with high clinical translational advantage remains a challenge. Here, we introduce a liquid metal gallium nanocomposite (GaNC) as a simple, innovative functional integrator. The biocompatible GaNC demonstrates potent antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens, particularly those associated with periodontitis. Meanwhile, GaNC displays bone homeostasis-regulating properties, and its effectiveness in periodontal inflammation has been confirmed. Furthermore, the strong adhesion of the GaNC to the tooth surface promotes long-term retention, enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. This pioneering study bridges the versatility of liquid metal nanomedicine with the diverse demands of periodontitis treatment, promising innovative dental nanomaterials of simplicity and effectiveness. In light of the imperative demand for both antibacterial and osteoconductive properties in periodontitis therapy, we present an innovative “one-for-all” nanotherapeutic agent based on liquid metal Ga. The fusion of Ga’s antibacterial and osteogenic properties at the nanoscale aligns perfectly with the needs of periodontitis treatment. Nonetheless, the efficacy of its combined functions within the oral cavity remains unexplored until now. The oral environment presents distinct challenges for achieving both antibacterial and osteogenic effects, necessitating nanomedicines to function well while withstanding this dynamic environment and preserving the oral biome’s balance. Our findings demonstrate that the chairside blue light (BL)-activated Ga nanocomposite (GaNC) exhibits potent inhibitory effects against prevalent oral pathogens, both in planktonic and biofilm forms, filling a critical gap in understanding their antimicrobial potential against oral bacteria. Furthermore, in addition to Ga’s well-documented inhibition of osteoclasts, we reveal its promotional impact on osteoblastogenesis by negatively charged nanoparticles. Moreover, in vivo tests confirm GaNC’s dual functionality, effectively treating periodontitis while safeguarding the oral ecosystem’s balance. In summary, this investigation trailblazes the use of liquid metal (LM)-based biomaterials for the treatment of periodontitis. In contrast to “all-in-one” designs requiring multiple components, Ga-based one-for-all nanoplatforms hold promise for streamlining production and clinical use. • Nanoscale Ga exhibits potent antimicrobial and osteogenic effects in the oral cavity • Blue light-activated GaNC effectively kills P. gingivalis , a periodontitis bacterium • Ga’s functional integration offers a versatile “all-in-one” fix for periodontitis This pioneering study bridges versatile liquid metal nanomedicine and the diverse demands of periodontitis treatment, focusing on the functional integration of Ga and verifying its effectiveness in the oral environment. This work uncovers the potential of liquid metal-based medical materials in oral applications, offering a versatile and simple building platform for designing multifunctional dental materials with clinical benefits.