Carbon Nitride Nanocomposites For Periodontitis Targeted Antibacterial And Osteogenesis

Periodontitis, a major cause of tooth loss, is challenging to treat. Traditional PDT is effective but has poor photosensitizer targeting and excessive ROS accumulation, causing bone damage. This study develops a novel CeO2-g-C3N4-BA NPs nanocomposite to enhance PDT selectivity, reduce ROS side effects, and promote periodontal bone repair and regeneration. In this study, we employed ultrasonic-assisted technology to obtain g-C3N4 nanosheets. Boronic acid groups were introduced via HATU/DIEA coupling reaction, and the resulting material was mixed with Ce(NO3)3·6H2O. After pH adjustment and thermal treatment, the CeO2-g-C3N4-BA NPs nanocomposite was synthesized. The material was comprehensively characterized. Its antibacterial effects and promotion of periodontal bone tissue repair were evaluated in vitro co-culture models and in animal models of periodontitis. The regulation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and the impact on cellular antioxidant capacity were explored using ROS detection techniques and cell pathway analysis. Experimental results demonstrate that CeO2-g-C3N4-BA NPs exhibit potent antibacterial activity in vitro and effectively promote alveolar bone repair in periodontitis animal models. ROS detection and cell pathway analysis reveal that the material regulates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, enhances cellular antioxidant capacity, alleviates inflammatory responses, and promotes osteoblast activity. CeO2-g-C3N4-BA NPs serve as a novel periodontitis treatment material, effectively killing bacteria and promoting alveolar bone repair and regeneration, with excellent biocompatibility. This study provides new strategies and theoretical basis for periodontitis treatment, potentially overcoming limitations of traditional PDT.