Near-Infrared-Responsive Nanoplatforms For Periodontitis Therapy

Aim or purpose This study summarized the therapeutic potential of three near-infrared (NIR) responsive nanoplatforms with synergistic strategies, proposed by our team for treating periodontitis. Materials and methods Three NIR-responsive nanomaterials combining photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) were synthesized via chemical methods and assisted with different synergistic strategies. According to their functions, they are named PDT/PTT/NO nanoplatform, PDT/PTT-Cu nanoplatform, and PDT/PTT-outer membrane vesicles (OMV) nanoplatform, respectively. The in vitro evaluation methods for biofilm include colony-forming unit (CFU) count assay, scanning electron microscope, live/dead staining assay, and fluorescence in situ hybridization. In vivo periodontitis models were assessed using micro-CT, CFU count assay, H&E staining, Masson’s trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression analysis of pro-inflammatory cytokines at the tissue level. Results The three multifunctional nanoplatforms effectively eradicated periodontitis-related biofilms, achieving over a 3-log CFU reduction (p < 0.01). In vivo experiments demonstrated that all three treatment strategies effectively reduced alveolar bone loss and mitigated gingival tissue damage, including decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and reduced collagen degradation. Furthermore, CFU count assays revealed a significant reduction in bacterial load, indicating that periodontal inflammation was markedly suppressed. Conclusions The NIR-responsive nanoplatforms exhibited potent antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and inflammation-inhibiting effects, highlighting their potential for periodontitis therapy.