Antimicrobial Peptide-Targeted Photodynamic Therapy For Preventing Plaque Biofilm Formation

The study aims to evaluate the dual functionality of this nanoplatform in eradicating plaque biofilm and alleviating inflammation, offering a novel strategy for periodontal disease management. ICG@Uio-66-UBI was synthesized using solvothermal and post-modification methods. First, the influence of each treatment group on the formation of single-species biofilms was evaluated through EPS production, CFU counts, biofilm biomass, and bacterial viability staining. Subsequently, ICG@Uio-66-UBI nanoparticles (NPs) were used to treat a mixture of P. gingivalis-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The gene expression levels of inflammatory factors released by RAW264.7 cells were detected using RT-qPCR, while the protein expression levels of these inflammatory factors were assessed using immunofluorescence. Our findings showed that the UBI29-41 targets EPS and selectively binds to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on bacterial surfaces via electrostatic interactions, enabling precise delivery of ICG-generated ROS under 808-nm near-infrared irradiation, which disrupts bacterial membranes and inhibits biofilm formation. Subsequently, UBI29-41 blocks LPS-TLR4 binding, suppressing NF-κB signaling and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Furthermore, the nanocomposite significantly downregulates the LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing (QS) system, reducing AI-2 synthesis and virulence gene expression, thereby inhibiting biofilm formation. ICG@Uio-66-UBI represents a breakthrough in precision periodontal therapy, offering a potent solution for biofilm-associated infections.