pH-Responsive Polyglycerol Nanogels for Periodontitis Treatment through Antibacterial and Pro-Angiogenesis Action

Periodontitis is a microbe-driven inflammatory disease leading to bone resorption and tissue destruction. We propose a dual-functional nanogel complex armed with the antimicrobial drug triclosan (TCS) and the pro-angiogenesis medication deferoxamine (DFO) for combating microbial pathogens and promoting tissue regeneration. The nanogel system (NG-TCS-DFO) that we fabricated from linear polyglycerol exhibits well-defined spherical morphology and a positively charged surface for bacteria adhesion. The rapid and sustained degradation of NG-TCS-DFO in the acidic environment of an infection site induces the on-demand release of TCS and DFO. The NG-TCS-DFO shows potent bacteria elimination of the gingivitis-causing bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis in both planktonic (99.9 %) and biofilm (99 %) states. Furthermore, the NG-TCS-DFO can promote vascularization and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Contributing to the synergistic effect of TCS and DFO, the NG-TCS-DFO demonstrates significant bone tissue regeneration and accelerated healing of periodontitis in vivo. This polyglycerol-based nanogel may therefore offer smart combined delivery of multiple therapeutics against bacteria-driven diseases.