Mg/Zn Janus Micromotors For Periodontitis Treatment And Mechanism Study

This study explores the potential of Mg/Zn Janus micromotors for programmed periodontitis treatment by leveraging zinc ions' glycolysis-inhibitory effects and hydrogen gas-mediated anti-inflammatory actions in the inflammatory microenvironment. Self-driven Mg/Zn Janus micromotors fueled by biofluids were fabricated using vacuum sputtering. We utilized microfluidic and resin laser engraving techniques to construct an in-vitro non-circulating fluidic structural model of the periodontal pocket to investigate the motion mechanisms of Mg/Zn Janus micromotors. The motion dynamics, biocompatibility, ion release, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of the micromotors were evaluated. In vitro metabolic experiments and gene expression analyses assessed the effects of zinc ions on macrophage glycolysis and polarization. In vivo, micro-CT and histopathological evaluations were used to assess the therapeutic effects of the micromotors. The Mg/Zn Janus micromotors demonstrated efficient self-propulsion in simulated periodontal environments, with sustained hydrogen generation facilitating tissue penetration and reactive oxygen species scavenging. Zinc ions effectively inhibited macrophage glycolysis, promoting M2 polarization and anti-inflammatory responses. In vivo, the micromotors significantly reduced inflammation and enhanced periodontal tissue repair compared to passive drug delivery systems. This study presents a novel programmed therapy for periodontitis using Mg/Zn Janus micromotors, combining rapid anti-inflammatory hydrogen release with sustained zinc ion-mediated metabolic modulation. The approach overcomes biological barriers in periodontal pockets and offers a promising strategy for inflammation resolution and tissue regeneration.