NIR-responsive CaCO3@ BMP-2/PDA nanocomposite for multifunctional therapy in periodontitis

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by dental plaque biofilm. To prevent disease progression and achieve successful periodontal tissue repair, it is necessary to simultaneously address the need for antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic effects within deep lesions. This study proposes a novel approach using a NIR light-responsive nanocomposite for enhanced ossification and combating bacterial biofilm infections in periodontitis. The nanocomposite incorporates polydopamine-coated calcium carbonate nanoparticles and BMP-2, which exhibits excellent photothermal conversion efficiency for bacterial eradication. Additionally, polydopamine also serves as an efficient ROS scavenger, thereby reducing the inflammatory response associated with periodontal disease. The core CaCO 3 interacts with BMP-2 to promote bone regeneration. This strategy demonstrates a synergistic effect by integrating PTT, ROS therapy, and osteogenic therapy in treating biofilm-induced periodontitis. Moreover, the CaCO 3 @BMP-2/PDA NPs reduced the protein expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β and mitigated LPS-induced inflammation. This combination not only achieved critical protective effects but also fostered the promotion of osteoblast differentiation.