Triple-Synergistic Ceo₂ Nanozymes For Periodontitis Therapy

This study aimed to construct an adaptive CeO₂-based nanozyme system to overcome biofilm resistance and inflammatory dysregulation in periodontitis, addressing limitations of conventional therapies. AgAu@CeO₂ nanocages (CeO₂: 6/10 nm) were synthesized via hydrothermal methods and conjugated to Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) using APTES-PBA coupling. Characterization included SEM, TEM, XPS, and UV-Vis. ROS production, pH modulation, and photothermal conversion were assessed via TMB assays, ESR, and FDTD. Biocompatibility was evaluated using CCK-8 and HE staining. Fusobacterium nucleatum biofilm clearance was analyzed via CLSM and metabolomics. Rat periodontitis models (ethics approval: #KT202003050) received AgAu C-L+NIR therapy for 2 weeks, with outcomes measured via Micro-CT and histopathology. The AgAu@CeO₂ nanocages exhibited NIR-responsive localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) at 808 nm, significantly enhancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In vitro, the AgAu C-L complex reduced F. nucleatum biofilm colony-forming units (CFU) by 99.99% and disrupted pathogenic metabolic pathways through nucleotide synthesis and arginine metabolism interference. In vivo, the treatment group demonstrated a marked reduction in alveolar bone loss and restoration of collagen integrity compared to controls. The AgAu C-L system synergistically amplified CeO₂’s POD-like activity via temperature-pH-electron transfer regulation, enabling efficient biofilm eradication and microbiome modulation. This tri-modal adaptive design advances nanozyme applications in complex inflammatory environments, offering a transformative strategy for periodontitis therapy.