Protease-Responsive Protein Hydrogel Releases Clo2 For Treatment Of Periodontitis

This study developed a dual-responsive protein hydrogel for sustained chlorine dioxide (ClO2) release, and investigated its antibacterial efficacy, osteoprotective effects, and anti-inflammatory functions in periodontitis. First, the hydrogel was synthesized and characterized via SEM, FTIR, and rheological analysis. Then, the antibacterial properties of the hydrogel were tested using microplate and agar plate coating methods. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to examine its biofilm clearance effect. CCK-8 assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, and scratch assay were performed to clarify its effects on osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1). qRT-PCR was conducted to detect the regulation of inflammatory and osteogenic genes in osteoblasts by the hydrogel. Additionally, micro-CT, HE staining and immunohistochemical staining were utilized to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy in rat periodontitis. Antibacterial assays demonstrated that the hydrogel exhibited potent activity against planktonic bacteria, intracellular Porphyromonas gingivalis, and mature biofilms. Cellular assays revealed significantly enhanced biocompatibility and osteogenic differentiation capacity in MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, in vivo studies confirmed the hydrogel’s dual anti-inflammatory and osteogenic effects, significantly promoting alveolar bone regeneration in a rat periodontitis model. The dual-crosslinked protein hydrogel exhibits excellent antibacterial effects. It has been verified in the constructed periodontitis animal model to have anti-inflammatory and alveolar bone regeneration-promoting effects, and is expected to become a novel drug for the treatment of periodontitis.